By Emmanuel Onyedika
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) to improve fertilizer access for farmers, achieve food sovereignty, and revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, described fertilizer as indispensable for increasing crop yields and farm productivity. “A farmer may appreciate access to machinery, tools, or financial services; however, the availability and affordability of fertilizer often determine the success or failure of a farming season,” he said.
Ogunbiyi explained that the partnership will strengthen soil fertility management, promote sustainable practices, and enhance food production nationwide. He noted that Nigeria’s urea production capacity now exceeds 6.5 million metric tonnes annually through Dangote Fertilizer Limited, Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited, and Notore Chemical Industries Plc. Yet, national fertilizer consumption remains at 18.6 kilograms per hectare, far below the Abuja Declaration target of 50kg/ha.
He stressed that many smallholder farmers still face challenges of affordability, accessibility, and timely distribution, calling for coordinated efforts among government, development partners, the private sector, and farmer organizations.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted IFDC’s long-standing role in supporting Nigeria’s agricultural development, recalling its contribution to the 2006 Africa Fertilizer Summit in Abuja and the expanded partnership announced at the Africa Food Systems Forum in Dakar in 2025.
Responding, IFDC Executive Director Mr. Bayella Thiam pledged continued technical and logistics support for Nigerian farmers, emphasizing that fertilizer accessibility, availability, and affordability will be central to revolutionizing the sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.