The House of Representatives has raised the alarm over soaring fertiliser prices, warning that the surge threatens Nigeria’s food security and could undermine agricultural productivity nationwide.
The lawmakers, therefore, urged the Federal Government to take immediate steps to reduce the cost of fertilisers and other essential farm inputs to support farmers and stabilise the agricultural sector.
This followed the adoption of a motion on the floor of the House on Thursday, sponsored by Yusuf Galambi of the New Nigeria People’s Party, representing Jigawa State.
In his presentation, Galambi stressed the critical role fertilisers and other farm inputs play in crop production, soil enrichment, and overall agricultural productivity.
He said, “Fertiliser and other farm inputs are essential not only for the proper nutrition of plants but also for maintaining a sustainable food chain that feeds the majority of Nigerians.
“However, the recent sharp increase in the prices of these inputs has rendered the limited capital available to farmers almost worthless.”
The lawmaker warned that if the trend continues, it could lead to reduced crop yields, higher food prices, and worsening food insecurity across the country.
“The escalating cost of critical agricultural inputs such as fertilisers and pesticides poses a serious threat to both wet and dry season farming.
“Many parts of the country are already battling food shortages, while inflation continues to make basic food items unaffordable for millions of Nigerians,” he added.
Galambi noted that although the Federal Government had made efforts to regulate food prices, the high cost of production, particularly the soaring prices of fertilisers, remains a major factor driving inflation in the agricultural sector.
He cited a recent market survey which revealed that a 50kg bag of urea fertiliser now sells for about N60,000, reportedly the highest price in a decade.
Following extensive debate and overwhelming support from members, the House resolved to call on the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to take urgent action to make fertilisers and other farm inputs more affordable for farmers nationwide.
The House also mandated its committees on Agricultural Production and Services, as well as Legislative Compliance, to ensure full implementation of the resolution.
Experts have warned that the soaring cost of fertilisers is putting Nigeria’s rice production at risk.
Rice, a staple for millions of Nigerians, relies heavily on the proper application of fertilisers to boost yields and ensure healthy crops.
Yet, many smallholder farmers, who make up the bulk of rice producers, cannot afford the rising prices.
The high cost of fertilisers also drives up production expenses, making locally grown rice less competitive against imports.
This development threatens food security, raises the price of rice for consumers, and undermines efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in the crop.
