The federal government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Fertiliser Development Centre (IFDC) to improve farmers’ access to fertiliser.
The agreement seeks to address key challenges limiting the productivity of smallholder farmers, particularly fertiliser affordability, accessibility and timely distribution.
Under the partnership, both parties will work to strengthen fertiliser supply systems, expand soil testing and balanced nutrient management, and promote private-sector-led distribution networks across the country.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Mr Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, described fertiliser as a critical input for increasing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security.
Mr Ogunbiyi noted that the MoU would support ongoing efforts to improve fertiliser accessibility, strengthen soil fertility management, promote sustainable agricultural practices and increase food production nationwide.
“Fertiliser remains indispensable for increasing crop yields and improving farm productivity across the agricultural value chain. A farmer may appreciate access to machinery, tools, or financial services; however, the availability and affordability of fertiliser often determine the success or failure of a farming season,” he said.
He said the Memorandum of Understanding will support efforts to improve fertiliser accessibility, strengthen soil fertility management, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and enhance food production nationwide.
He called on IFDC and other stakeholders to maximise the opportunities provided by the partnership to develop impactful programmes capable of boosting agricultural productivity and improving rural livelihoods.
Responding on behalf of IFDC, the organisation’s Executive Director, Mr Ben Lenkcher, pledged continued technical and logistical support to Nigerian farmers in line with the federal government’s agricultural transformation agenda.
Mr Lenkcher said IFDC remains committed to improving fertiliser accessibility, availability and affordability across Nigeria, noting that the partnership would contribute significantly to strengthening the agricultural ecosystem and enhancing food production to meet the needs of the country’s growing population.