The Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has announced its decision to step back from co-managing the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) by November.
This marks the conclusion of the agency’s involvement in the programme, which has seen significant transformation in Nigeria’s fertilizer sector over the past decade.
Since its launch in 2016, the NSIA has played a pivotal role in reviving the fertilizer blending industry, increasing the number of operational blending plants from four to more than 90.
During this time, over 128 million bags of blended fertilizer were supplied to Nigerian farmers.
The programme, which initially faced numerous challenges, has evolved into a major success, becoming one of the country’s most impactful agricultural interventions.
Aminu Umar-Sadiq, the Managing Director of NSIA, emphasized that the PFI has contributed immensely to improving fertilizer accessibility and affordability, as well as boosting food security. The initiative has also been instrumental in creating over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs across Nigeria.
Despite facing global challenges such as supply chain disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the programme has remained resilient, maintaining a steady supply of fertilizer at stable prices.
Umar-Sadiq further noted that the transition of the PFI to the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MoFI) would mark a significant milestone in the programme’s evolution.
MoFI will take full control of the initiative, ensuring its continued success and long-term sustainability. Under this new phase, the PFI will introduce technological innovations such as wet blend technology and expand its reach to underserved regions, with greater emphasis on private sector involvement.
Dr. Amstrong Ume Takang, Chief Executive of MoFI, reassured stakeholders that the ministry remains committed to the success of the PFI. He acknowledged the important role the programme has played in transforming the fertilizer sector, from increasing domestic blending capacity to ensuring farmers have access to quality fertilizers at affordable prices.
Takang also emphasized that MoFI would continue to support PFI-NPK Ltd, the operational arm of the initiative, after NSIA’s exit.
Both Umar-Sadiq and Takang spoke at the 2025 PFI-NPK Stakeholders’ Roundtable in Abuja, where they discussed the achievements of the programme and the future direction of the PFI.
The roundtable, themed “PFI: A Journey of Reform, Partnership and Transition,” served as a platform to reflect on the programme’s progress, assess reforms, and explore ways to build on its success.
The PFI was originally set up by the federal government to stimulate local fertilizer production, reduce food insecurity, and help lower food-induced inflation. The programme has also contributed significantly to economic activities across the agricultural value chain.
Since its restructuring in 2021, the PFI has been jointly managed by NSIA and MoFI through an operational agreement.
However, with the planned exit of NSIA in November, MoFI will assume full responsibility for the programme’s management, marking the end of a successful partnership.
