Nigeria has moved to protect its farmers from mounting disruptions in global fertiliser markets, securing sufficient supplies ahead of the 2026 wet season farming campaign.
The Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) announced that raw materials already released to blending plants nationwide are enough to produce approximately 6.5 million bags of fertiliser. Nearly four million bags have been distributed to farmers and agro-dealers in preparation for the planting season.
The intervention comes as many countries face tightening fertiliser supplies and rising costs linked to renewed disruptions in international shipping routes and global supply chains—factors that have raised concerns over agricultural productivity and food prices.
Data released by PFI NPK Limited, the initiative’s implementation arm under the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), show that Nigeria entered the planting season with over 534,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser raw materials available for production.
The company achieved this stock position after procuring nine vessels carrying key fertiliser inputs during the first quarter of 2026, ensuring local blending plants had uninterrupted access to essential raw materials.
Dr Armstrong Ume Takang, Director of PFI NPK Limited, said the proactive strategy was designed to insulate Nigerian farmers from external market shocks that have affected fertiliser availability in many parts of the world.
He explained that early procurement and supply planning allowed the country to build adequate inventory before international market conditions deteriorated, reducing the risk of shortages during the critical planting period.
Takang added that ensuring timely access to fertiliser remains vital for sustaining agricultural output, improving crop yields, and supporting the country’s broader food security objectives.
Under the initiative’s centralised procurement framework, raw materials are supplied to 94 blending plants registered under the Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN), strengthening local production capacity and reducing reliance on imported finished fertiliser.
Industry stakeholders note that this approach has helped maintain stability in the domestic fertiliser market, guaranteeing a steady flow of inputs to producers despite international volatility.
PFI NPK Limited added that the advance procurement strategy also shielded Nigeria from the sharp rise in global fertiliser prices recorded in recent months, preserving supply continuity for farmers nationwide.
The initiative is expected to play a critical role in supporting the 2026 wet season cultivation programme as farmers begin large-scale planting operations across the country.
