June 19 (THEWILL) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the Federal Government remains on course to deliver a 1.1 million metric tonnes fertiliser programme to Nigerian farmers in 2026, as part of efforts to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen food security.
In a statement issued on June 18, the President said the target is being pursued despite disruptions in global supply chains triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including the Iran crisis, which put pressure on fertiliser supplies and prices across international markets.
Tinubu said his administration is fulfilling its commitment to support farmers, reduce dependence on imports, and build a more resilient agricultural sector through targeted interventions across the fertiliser value chain.
“We remain on track to deliver a 1.1 million metric tonnes fertiliser programme this year, equivalent to about 22 million bags”, the President said.
He disclosed that as of May 2026, more than 449,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser inputs, equivalent to about nine million bags, had already been secured, with 10 vessels either discharged or in transit.
According to Tinubu, the progress has been driven by reforms under the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI), which has now been restructured under the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI). He said the reforms have strengthened procurement processes, secured critical raw materials, improved coordination across the fertiliser value chain, and protected local blending plants from international supply disruptions.
The President also revealed that Nigeria currently has more than 90 operational fertiliser blending plants, giving the country the largest blending capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa.
To ensure farmers have timely access to farm inputs, Tinubu said the government launched the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme 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.
Tinubu further disclosed that strategic contracting arrangements for fertiliser inputs generated savings of ₦61.58 billion in 2026, helping to keep prices affordable despite global economic pressures. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening agricultural value chains, supporting local production, and easing food inflation over time.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
