Posted by Chinenye on Fri 19th Jun, 2026 - tori.ng
The Federal Government has outlined an ambitious plan to significantly expand fertiliser production and distribution as part of efforts to strengthen food security nationwide.
(President Bola Tinubu. Photo by Guardian Nigerian News)
President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria is on track to deliver 22 million bags of fertiliser in 2026 as part of efforts to boost food production nationwide.
Tinubu commended the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) for their contributions to strengthening the country's fertiliser value chain, improving farmers' access to inputs, supporting local production, and advancing the administration's food security agenda.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the interventions carried out through the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) now restructured under MOFI and the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (RH-FISP), implemented through NADF, reflected his administration's commitment to making food security a central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He recalled that upon assuming office, the government had promised Nigerians that food security would be prioritised, with commitments to support farmers, boost local production, cut reliance on imports, and build a more resilient agricultural system. According to him, that promise was now being fulfilled.
Tinubu noted that disruptions to global supply chains, rising costs of key fertiliser inputs, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East had created significant risks to agricultural productivity and food prices worldwide.
He said Nigeria had acted early to cushion these risks through targeted interventions across the fertiliser value chain.
He explained that through the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative under MOFI, government had strengthened procurement systems, secured critical raw materials, entered into forward supply agreements, improved coordination across the value chain, and shielded local fertiliser blending plants from the worst effects of global market disruptions.
As of May 2026, more than 449,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser inputs equivalent to roughly nine million bags had been secured, with 10 vessels either already discharged or currently in transit.
Tinubu said Nigeria remained on course to deliver a 1.1 million-metric-tonne fertiliser programme in 2026, equivalent to about 22 million bags nationwide.
He revealed that strategic contracting arrangements for key fertiliser inputs had generated savings of N61.58 billion in 2026 alone, helping to moderate costs and improve affordability for farmers.
The president said Nigeria now has more than 90 operational fertiliser blending plants, giving it the largest fertiliser blending capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa, while also supporting local industry, job creation, and agricultural resilience.
Tinubu noted that while MOFI's work had focused on strengthening procurement and protecting local blending capacity, NADF's role centred on last-mile access, ensuring locally produced fertiliser reaches smallholder farmers in time for the planting season.
He stressed that securing inputs and keeping blending plants running was only the first step, with the real challenge being last-mile delivery getting fertiliser to farmers when they need it most.
On farmer access, Tinubu commended NADF for implementing the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme, which is currently 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.
He also acknowledged NADF's role in promoting modern agricultural practices through digital extension services, harmonised fertiliser application guidance, and targeted support for priority crops such as rice, maize, cassava and soybean.
The president reaffirmed his administration's commitment to protecting farmers, boosting productivity, strengthening agricultural value chains, supporting local industry, and easing pressure on food prices, stating that government would continue taking practical steps to improve productivity, support farmers, and secure the nation's food future.