The Federal Government has launched the Nigerian Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS) a major agricultural reform initiative designed to improve crop yields, enhance food security, and promote sustainable soil management across the country.
Unveiled at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the programme forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for agricultural transformation and food self-sufficiency.
Under the scheme, 774 soil testing laboratories will be established across all local government areas to enable farmers to assess their soil quality and nutrient levels. Each farmer will receive a personalised soil health card, containing detailed information on soil fertility, pH levels, nutrient deficiencies, and fertiliser recommendations tailored to specific crops.
The government will also launch a digital platform, the Nigeria Soil Information System (NiSIS), to collect and manage nationwide soil data, providing valuable insights for research, investment, and policy formulation.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security said the scheme aims to “move Nigeria from a blanket fertiliser application system to a data-driven approach that saves cost, increases productivity, and protects the environment.”
The initiative is being implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), involving development partners such as the World Bank, GIZ, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
According to government projections, the scheme could significantly raise productivity across key crops:
Rice yields may increase from 60–80 to 120–160 bags per hectare.
Maize and wheat yields are expected to double.
Onion yields could rise from 400 to 800 bags per hectare.
Beyond productivity gains, the initiative is expected to reduce fertiliser waste, cut production costs, and create new jobs for rural youth and women in soil testing, data management, and extension services.
Experts say the scheme represents a turning point for Nigeria’s agriculture sector, shifting it toward precision farming and evidence-based decision-making critical steps for achieving sustainable food security.
