FG Saves ₦61.58bn Through Local Fertiliser Production, Intensifies Nationwide Plant Inspection

 

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to boost food security by inspecting fertiliser production and blending plants nationwide.

It said expanded local production is critical to reducing import dependence, lowering costs and increasing agricultural productivity.

The inspection was led by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Communications, Engagement and New Media Strategy, O’tega Ogra.

The presidential fact-finding delegation visited major fertiliser production and blending facilities in Lagos, Kaduna, Rivers and other states participating in the restructured Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) under the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).

The exercise assesses production capacity, quality control, operational efficiency, and the impact of government intervention in making quality fertiliser more affordable and accessible to farmers.

Speaking during the inspection in Kaduna, Ogra described local fertiliser production as a strategic national priority amid global supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions and rising input costs.

He said Nigeria has abundant raw materials needed for fertiliser production and should maximise local capacity to guarantee sustainable food production.

“When we have about 80 per cent of the raw materials in Nigeria and can produce fertilisers, why import them? If we have locally produced fertilisers with proper quality control, the standard of farming will improve, crop yields will increase and we will strengthen food security and food sovereignty in our country,” he said.

According to him, government investment in local fertiliser production aims to shield farmers from global price fluctuations, improve agricultural output, create jobs, and promote industrial development.

At OCP Africa’s Kaduna Blending Plant, the delegation inspected the company’s blending process, where fertilisers are produced to match the nutrient requirements of specific crops and soil conditions rather than using a uniform formulation.

The plant’s General Manager, Peter Amahwe, said quality assurance was essential to protecting farmers’ investments.

“What is key is that when the farmer is paying for these nutrients, he knows that the nutrients he is paying for are exactly what he is getting. The labour, seeds and every other investment depend on that quality. If the fertiliser is compromised, the farmer’s entire production plan is affected,” he said.

Amahwe said the company carries out extensive laboratory analysis to develop customised fertiliser blends for crops such as maize, rice, cocoa and ginger.

The delegation also visited Barbedos Fertilisers & Blending Company Limited in Kaduna, where officials inspected a facility with a blending capacity of about 90 metric tonnes per hour.

Production Manager Nasser Ismail said local blending had reduced production costs while creating employment opportunities.

“Our primary objective is to produce high-quality fertiliser blends tailored to the distinct soil and crop requirements of Nigerian farmers.

“By blending locally, we are reducing costs, creating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs for young people and supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

He added that the company uses moisture-resistant BOPP-coated packaging to preserve fertiliser quality during storage and transportation.

The Federal Government has continued to reposition the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative by promoting local blending and encouraging the use of indigenous raw materials while importing only essential inputs such as phosphate.

The initiative is intended to protect farmers from international market volatility, improve access to quality fertiliser and strengthen domestic agricultural production.

Government estimates indicate that the programme has saved about ₦61.58 billion in 2026 through lower fertiliser costs and increased local production.

Under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (RH-FISP), implemented by the National Agricultural Development Fund, 515,720 bags of locally blended fertiliser are being distributed to 128,930 smallholder farmers across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Officials said the ongoing inspection of fertiliser plants underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that locally produced fertiliser meets global quality standards while expanding farmers’ access to affordable farm inputs, improving crop yields and strengthening Nigeria’s food security.

Do You Need More Trending Updates? Then kindly bookmark our blog Realgosipcenter.com.ng, we will update you with more latest musics in mp3 audio format and video in mp4 formats as soon as they drop for quick downloads.