Tinubu Beats Global Fertiliser Crisis, Saves Nigeria ₦61.58bn As 128,930 Farmers Benefit

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria has successfully navigated the challenges posed by disruptions in global fertiliser supply chains, saving the country ₦61.58 billion while expanding support to thousands of farmers under the federal government’s food security drive.

In a statement outlining his administration’s efforts to strengthen food security, the president said the government moved early to shield Nigeria from the impact of rising fertiliser costs and supply shortages triggered by global market disruptions and conflicts in the Middle East.

“When we came into office, we made a promise to Nigerians that food security would be a major pillar of our Renewed Hope agenda,” the President stated.

And, explained “We promised to support our farmers, strengthen local production, reduce dependence on imports, and build an agricultural system strong enough to withstand shocks from beyond our borders. That promise is being kept.”

According to the president, the federal government acted swiftly through the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI), which has now been restructured under the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), to secure critical raw materials and protect Nigeria’s fertiliser blending industry from global disruptions.

Tinubu said disruptions in global supply chains and rising costs of key fertiliser inputs had created significant risks for countries around the world, including the possibility of input shortages, higher fertiliser prices, pressure on blending plants, reduced farm productivity and increased food prices.

“I am pleased to inform you that we moved early,” the nation’s leader declared, providing insight with  “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 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 10 vessels either discharged or in transit.

He added that the country remains on course to deliver a 1.1 million metric tonne fertiliser programme this year, equivalent to approximately 22 million bags.

“Despite the global shocks, strategic contracting for key inputs also generated ₦61.58 billion in savings in 2026 alone, helping to keep fertiliser more affordable for farmers,” Tinunu further disclosed.

He also highlighted the expansion of local fertiliser production capacity, noting that Nigeria now has more than 90 operational fertiliser blending plants, which he described as the largest blending capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“This capacity means jobs, local production, industrial growth, and greater resilience for our food system,” he further revealed.

The president, however, stressed that securing fertiliser supplies alone would not be enough unless farmers have timely access to the products.

“However, securing inputs and keeping blending plants active and producing is only the first step. The real test is immediate access. Fertiliser must reach the farmers who need it, when they need it,” he pointed out.

Tinubu said this informed the launch of the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (RH-FISP) through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).

Under the scheme, he said, 515,720 bags of locally produced fertiliser are being distributed to 128,930 smallholder farmers across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the current planting season.

The president added that the NADF is supporting modern agriculture through digital extension services, harmonised fertiliser application guidance and targeted interventions for priority crops, including rice, maize, cassava and soybean.

“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,” the President assured, emphasizing “This is the meaning of promise made, promise kept.”

And, reassured “we will continue to take practical steps to strengthen Nigerian agriculture and protect food security for every Nigerian.”