By Rasheeda Hamidu
President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigeria secured more than 449,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser inputs equivalent to about nine million bags to strengthen food security, support local production and improve farmers’ access to agricultural inputs nationwide.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President highlighted the Federal Government’s interventions through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).
President Tinubu said, “When we came into office, we made a promise to Nigerians that food security would be a major pillar of our Renewed Hope Agenda”.
NatureNews notes that fertiliser availability remains a critical factor in improving crop yields, strengthening agricultural resilience and supporting food production amid growing climate and economic pressures.
According to the President, more than 449,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser inputs had been secured as of May 2026, while 10 vessels carrying fertiliser materials had either been discharged or were in transit.
Tinubu stated that Nigeria remains on course to deliver a 1.1 million metric tonne fertiliser programme in 2026, equivalent to about 22 million bags nationwide.
The President said strategic contracting arrangements for key fertiliser inputs generated savings of ₦61.58 billion in 2026 alone, helping to improve affordability for farmers.
According to the statement, the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative, now restructured under MOFI, strengthened procurement systems, secured critical raw materials, improved value-chain coordination and protected local blending plants from global market disruptions.
Tinubu explained that Nigeria now has more than 90 operational fertiliser blending plants, providing the country with the largest fertiliser blending capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The President said NADF was focused on ensuring last-mile access to fertiliser for smallholder farmers through the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme.
President Tinubu stated, “Securing inputs and keeping blending plants active is only the first step. The real test is last-mile access — getting fertiliser to the farmers who need it, when they need it”.
According to the Presidency, NADF is distributing 515,720 bags of locally produced fertiliser to 128,930 smallholder farmers across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory during the current planting season.
The statement further reported that the fund is supporting modern farming practices through digital extension services, harmonised fertiliser application guidance and targeted interventions for rice, maize, cassava and soybean production.
President Tinubu reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening agricultural value chains, supporting local industry, raising productivity and reducing pressure on food prices across the country.
NatureNews tracks fertiliser access, sustainable agriculture and food security initiatives as part of its coverage of climate-resilient food systems and environmental sustainability across Nigeria and Africa.
