President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed that Nigeria saved N61.58 billion through strategic fertiliser procurement measures aimed at protecting farmers from the impact of global supply disruptions and rising production costs.
The President said the intervention helped the country secure more than 449,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser inputs despite growing uncertainty in international markets, ensuring that local farmers had access to critical agricultural supplies ahead of the planting season.
Tinubu made the disclosure in a statement posted on his official page on June 18, 2026, where he highlighted the achievements recorded under the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI), a programme designed to support local fertiliser production and improve food security.
According to the President, the initiative was restructured under the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) to strengthen procurement processes, improve coordination and protect Nigeria’s agricultural sector from the effects of global shocks.
He explained that ongoing conflicts in parts of the Middle East and disruptions in international supply chains had placed significant pressure on the global fertiliser market, creating concerns over shortages and higher prices that could affect farmers across many countries.
Fertiliser remains one of the most important inputs in modern farming. Any disruption in supply often leads to reduced crop yields, increased production costs and higher food prices.
Tinubu said Nigeria moved quickly to prevent such a situation.
“Through the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI), now restructured under MOFI, we strengthened procurement, secured critical raw materials, signed forward agreements, improved coordination across the value chain, and protected Nigeria’s local fertiliser blending industry from the worst effects of global market disruption,” the President stated.
He disclosed that by May 2026, Nigeria had secured over 449,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser inputs required for local blending operations.
The President added that 10 vessels carrying fertiliser materials had either been discharged at Nigerian ports or were already on their way to the country.
According to him, the government remains on course to implement a 1.1 million metric tonne fertiliser programme in 2026.
The program, he said, is equivalent to approximately 22 million bags of fertiliser expected to support farmers across the country.
“Despite the global shocks, strategic contracting for key inputs also generated N61.58 billion in savings in 2026 alone, helping to keep fertiliser more affordable for farmers,” Tinubu said.
The President noted that maintaining affordable fertiliser prices is critical to sustaining agricultural production, especially at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with rising food costs.
Nigeria has in recent years faced inflationary pressures driven by insecurity in farming communities, climate-related challenges, exchange rate fluctuations and increases in the cost of agricultural inputs.
Agriculture remains one of Nigeria’s largest employers of labour, with millions of smallholder farmers depending on affordable fertiliser to improve productivity and generate income.
Tinubu said the government had continued to invest in local production capacity to reduce dependence on imported finished fertiliser products.
According to him, Nigeria currently has more than 90 operational fertiliser blending plants, giving the country the largest fertiliser blending capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The development, he said, has strengthened local industry while helping to create jobs and improve access to farm inputs.
The President also highlighted the implementation of the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (RH-FISP), which is being coordinated through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).
The initiative is aimed at ensuring that smallholder farmers, who account for a significant share of Nigeria’s food production, receive support during the planting season.
Tinubu disclosed that under the programme, 515,720 bags of locally produced fertiliser are currently being distributed to 128,930 smallholder farmers across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The distribution is expected to support farmers cultivating staple crops and enhance food production during the current farming season.
Beyond fertiliser distribution, the President said the NADF is providing other forms of assistance to improve farming practices.
These include digital extension services, guidance on proper fertiliser application and targeted support for farmers engaged in the cultivation of major crops such as rice, maize, cassava and soybean.
Agricultural extension services are designed to educate farmers on modern farming techniques, efficient input use and best practices that can increase productivity and reduce losses.
The Presidential Fertiliser Initiative was first introduced to address long-standing challenges associated with fertiliser availability and affordability in Nigeria.
Before its establishment, many farmers complained about limited access to quality fertiliser, delays in supply and the circulation of adulterated products in the market.
The initiative sought to revive local blending plants by ensuring the steady supply of raw materials while making fertiliser more accessible to farmers.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector as part of broader efforts to strengthen food security and reduce pressure on household food spending.
“Our administration will not relent on its efforts to protect farmers, raise productivity, strengthen the agricultural value chain, support local industry, and ease pressure on food prices over time,” he stated.
The President’s remarks come at a time when governments around the world are seeking ways to cushion the effects of global economic uncertainties on food production systems.
For Nigeria, ensuring that farmers have timely access to fertiliser remains a key strategy in boosting output, reducing dependence on food imports and achieving sustainable agricultural growth.
With the planting season underway, the success of the fertiliser interventions could play a significant role in determining harvest outcomes and the country’s ability to improve food availability in the months ahead.