Nigeria has significantly expanded its domestic fertiliser production capacity, with the number of fertiliser blending plants increasing from only four in 2016 to more than 90 in 2025, according to the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).
The development was disclosed in Kaduna by the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NADF, Mohammed A. Ibrahim, during the launch of the distribution of 100,800 bags of free fertiliser to 25,200 smallholder farmers across the North-West under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP).
Ibrahim said the rapid growth in fertiliser blending facilities is the result of sustained investments in local production and reflects the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He noted that increased local manufacturing capacity would improve farmers’ access to quality fertiliser, reduce reliance on imported products, stimulate industrial development and create employment opportunities across the value chain.
“When we get agriculture right, we reduce poverty, stabilise food prices and empower millions of Nigerians across the agricultural value chain,” he said.
The NADF Executive Secretary explained that the fertiliser support programme is being implemented across five North-West states and is targeted at smallholder farmers cultivating maize, rice, sorghum, cowpea and tomato.
He added that robust monitoring and tracking systems have been introduced to ensure the fertiliser is distributed transparently and reaches the intended beneficiaries.
Also speaking at the event, Katsina State Governor and Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, applauded the Federal Government for the intervention, describing it as a significant contribution to the realisation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security agenda.
Radda revealed that Katsina State has been allocated 20,160 bags of fertiliser for distribution to 5,040 farmers, while a total of 25,200 smallholder farmers across the North-West are expected to benefit from the initiative.
According to the governor, the programme is expected to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, improve farmers’ earnings and drive economic development in rural communities.
He also cautioned against any form of diversion or interference in the distribution exercise, stressing that only verified beneficiaries should receive the farm inputs.
“We will not tolerate diversion or manipulation. These inputs must reach the intended farmers,” he said.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including the Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security, Livestock Development, and Housing and Urban Development, alongside members of the National Assembly, stakeholders in the agricultural sector and development partners, all of whom reaffirmed their support for initiatives aimed at transforming agriculture and promoting sustainable food production in Nigeria.
