FEPSAN Reveals Surge in Fertilizer Plants as Federal Government Pushes New Plan to Drive Farmer Adoption and Food Security Efforts in Abuja

Nigeria’s Federal Government has renewed its determination to work closely with private sector stakeholders in the fertilizer industry as part of a broader strategy to strengthen food production and improve national food security.

The renewed commitment emerged during a high-level engagement between government officials and industry leaders focused on identifying practical solutions that can increase fertilizer availability and encourage farmers to use the product more widely across the country.

At the center of the discussions was the need to bridge the gap between Nigeria’s large fertilizer production capacity and the relatively low level of fertilizer use by farmers.

Strategic Meeting Brings Government and Industry Leaders Together

The dialogue took place on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Abuja during a meeting between a Federal Government delegation led by John Owan Enoh, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Industry, and executives from the Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria, widely known as FEPSAN.

The industry group was represented by its president, Abubakar Sadiq Kassim, who used the meeting to brief government officials on recent developments within Nigeria’s fertilizer sector and to highlight both achievements and ongoing challenges.

Discussions centered on strengthening cooperation between policymakers and fertilizer producers so that farmers across Nigeria can access fertilizers more easily and at affordable rates.

Nigeria’s Fertilizer Industry Records Major Growth

During the meeting, FEPSAN presented data showing significant growth in Nigeria’s fertilizer manufacturing capacity over the past decade.

According to the association, the number of fertilizer blending and production facilities in the country has risen sharply—from about 38 plants in 2015 to more than 100 facilities operating nationwide today.

This expansion reflects rising investment from the private sector and has also created new jobs across the value chain, from production to distribution.

The industry’s growth has positioned Nigeria as an important player in fertilizer manufacturing within Africa.

Production Capacity Far Outpaces Local Consumption

Despite the industry’s impressive expansion, FEPSAN expressed concern that fertilizer consumption in Nigeria remains far below the country’s production potential.

Nigeria currently has the capacity to produce approximately 16 million metric tonnes of various fertilizer products every year.

However, only around 2 million metric tonnes are consumed domestically.

Industry leaders warned that unless fertilizer use increases significantly, farmers will not fully benefit from the country’s growing production capabilities.

Nigeria’s Fertilizer Use Still Below African Target

Another issue highlighted during the meeting was Nigeria’s relatively low fertilizer application rate compared with continental standards.

Data shared by FEPSAN indicates that Nigerian farmers apply an average of about 24 kilograms of fertilizer per hectare.

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Across Africa, however, the recommended benchmark stands at roughly 50 kilograms per hectare.

This shortfall suggests that many farmers may still lack sufficient access to fertilizer products or the resources required to use them effectively.

Industry Leaders Stress Role of Fertilizer in Boosting Crop Yields

Speaking during the engagement, Kassim emphasized that improving fertilizer usage among farmers will be critical to strengthening agricultural productivity and ensuring long-term food security.

He noted that while the country has made substantial progress in building production capacity, the real test now lies in ensuring fertilizers actually reach farmers and are used effectively on farms.

According to him, better access to fertilizer could significantly increase crop yields and support sustainable agricultural growth across Nigeria.

Fertilizer Sector Gains Importance in Non-Oil Exports

Participants also discussed the growing role of Nigeria’s fertilizer industry in the country’s non-oil export sector.

Major producers such as Indorama Eleme Fertilizer & Chemicals and Dangote Fertilizer Limited were highlighted for their contributions to large-scale urea production, supplying both the domestic market and international buyers.

These companies have helped position Nigeria as a significant exporter of fertilizer products, reducing reliance on oil revenue and diversifying the national economy.

Legacy of the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative

The meeting also revisited the origins of Nigeria’s fertilizer expansion, particularly the creation of the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative.

The initiative was launched following a diplomatic engagement between former Nigerian leader Muhammadu Buhari and Moroccan authorities.

The program enabled Nigeria to blend fertilizers locally by combining locally sourced materials with imported raw inputs.

The initiative significantly boosted domestic blending capacity and contributed to the rapid expansion of fertilizer plants across the country.

Government Calls for Stronger Inter-Ministerial Coordination

Minister Enoh used the meeting to emphasize the importance of stronger coordination between government agencies responsible for agriculture and industrial development.

He noted that closer collaboration between the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Agriculture will ensure that Nigeria’s fertilizer production capacity translates into real benefits for farmers.

According to the minister, the ultimate goal is to ensure farmers gain easier access to fertilizers that will improve productivity and help the country meet its food security goals.

Impact and Consequences

The renewed collaboration between government and fertilizer producers could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Improved access to fertilizer is expected to boost crop yields, increase farmers’ income, and reduce food shortages.

It may also strengthen Nigeria’s ability to compete in agricultural exports while supporting the country’s broader economic diversification efforts.

At the same time, stronger coordination between industry and government could help stabilize fertilizer prices and improve distribution networks nationwide.

What’s Next?

Both the Federal Government and FEPSAN agreed to continue working closely to develop practical policies that encourage fertilizer adoption among farmers.

Future initiatives may include programs to stimulate demand, improve supply chains, and support local manufacturing while ensuring fertilizers remain affordable and widely available across rural communities.

These steps are expected to play a key role in helping Nigeria close the gap between fertilizer production capacity and actual farm usage.

Summary

Nigeria’s fertilizer industry has experienced rapid growth over the past decade, but low usage among farmers remains a major challenge.

Government officials and industry leaders are now focusing on stronger collaboration to ensure fertilizers reach farmers and contribute to higher agricultural productivity.

By improving access and encouraging wider adoption, the country hopes to strengthen food security while supporting economic diversification through its growing fertilizer sector.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to stronger collaboration with fertilizer industry stakeholders.
• Strategic meeting held in Abuja between government officials and FEPSAN leadership.
• Nigeria’s fertilizer plants increased from about 38 in 2015 to more than 100 nationwide.
• Domestic fertilizer consumption remains around 2 million metric tonnes despite a 16 million metric tonne production capacity.
• Nigerian farmers apply about 24 kilograms of fertilizer per hectare, below the African benchmark of 50 kilograms.
• Major producers like Indorama and Dangote play a significant role in fertilizer exports.
• Government emphasized the need for stronger coordination between agriculture and industry ministries.
• Both parties agreed to pursue policies that increase fertilizer demand, improve accessibility, and boost agricultural productivity.