President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector, announcing that the country is on track to produce 1.1 million metric tonnes of fertiliser in 2026, equivalent to about 22 million bags, to enhance food production and improve national food security.
The President made this known in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, in which he commended the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) for driving reforms that have strengthened the fertiliser value chain, improved farmers’ access to essential farm inputs and advanced the administration’s agricultural agenda.
Tinubu disclosed that strategic procurement and contracting arrangements for key fertiliser raw materials generated ₦61.58 billion in savings in 2026, helping to stabilise production costs and make fertiliser more affordable for farmers nationwide.
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He also noted that Nigeria now boasts more than 90 operational fertiliser blending plants, giving the country the largest blending capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa while boosting local manufacturing, creating jobs and enhancing agricultural resilience.
According to the President, the revitalised Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI), now managed by MOFI, alongside the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (RH-FISP) implemented through NADF, underscores the Federal Government’s determination to make food security a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the administration remains focused on empowering farmers, increasing domestic agricultural production, reducing dependence on imported inputs and building a more resilient food system capable of withstanding global economic and supply chain disruptions.
The President observed that geopolitical tensions, rising fertiliser input costs and disruptions in international supply chains, particularly those linked to the Middle East, continue to pose challenges to global agriculture. However, he said Nigeria had taken proactive measures to cushion the impact through strategic interventions across the fertiliser supply chain.
Tinubu explained that under the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative, the government strengthened procurement processes, secured critical raw materials, negotiated forward supply contracts and improved coordination across the sector to protect local blending plants from international market volatility.
He revealed that by May 2026, the country had secured over 449,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser inputs, equivalent to about nine million bags, while 10 vessels carrying fertiliser materials had either arrived or were en route to Nigeria.
The President emphasised that while MOFI focuses on ensuring a steady supply of fertiliser inputs and sustaining local production capacity, NADF is responsible for ensuring that fertiliser reaches farmers promptly, particularly smallholder farmers preparing for planting seasons.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu further applauded NADF for implementing the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme, through which 515,720 bags of locally blended fertiliser are currently being distributed to 128,930 smallholder farmers across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He also acknowledged the agency’s efforts to promote climate-smart and modern farming practices through digital extension services, harmonised fertiliser application guidelines and targeted support for priority crops, including rice, maize, cassava and soybean.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to food security, the President pledged sustained investment in agricultural productivity, stronger value chains, expanded local production and policies aimed at easing food inflation.
“Our administration will not relent in its efforts to strengthen Nigerian agriculture and protect food security for every Nigerian. This is the meaning of promise made, promise kept. We will continue to take practical steps that improve productivity, support our farmers and secure our nation’s food future,” the President said.
