President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says his administration is delivering on its promise to make food security a major pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda through increased support for farmers, strengthened local production, and measures aimed at reducing dependence on imports.
Speaking on efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the President said the government moved swiftly to address challenges arising from disruptions in global supply chains and rising costs of key fertiliser inputs, which were worsened by conflict in the Middle East.
According to him, the administration acted early through the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI), now restructured under the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), by strengthening procurement processes, securing critical raw materials, signing forward agreements, improving coordination across the value chain, and protecting local fertiliser blending plants from global market disruptions.
President Tinubu disclosed that as of May 2026, more than 449,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser inputs—equivalent to about nine million bags—had been secured, with ten vessels either discharged or in transit.
He added that Nigeria remains on track to deliver a 1.1 million metric tonne fertiliser programme in 2026, equivalent to about 22 million bags, while strategic contracting for key inputs generated savings of ₦61.58 billion this year, helping to keep fertiliser affordable for farmers despite global economic pressures.
The President noted that Nigeria now has more than 90 operational fertiliser blending plants, which he described as the largest blending capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa, creating jobs, boosting local production, supporting industrial growth, and strengthening the country’s food system.
While acknowledging progress in securing fertiliser inputs and sustaining blending operations, Tinubu stressed that ensuring fertiliser reaches farmers at the right time remains critical.
To address this, he said the government launched the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (RH-FISP) through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).
Under the programme, 515,720 bags of locally produced fertiliser are being distributed to 128,930 smallholder farmers across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory for the current planting season.
The President further stated that the NADF is promoting modern agricultural practices through digital extension services, harmonised fertiliser application guidance, and targeted support for priority crops including rice, maize, cassava and soybean.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a resilient agricultural sector capable of improving productivity, enhancing food security, and supporting economic growth.
