Nigeria is set to launch the third phase of the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI), with private firms expected to drive implementation while the Federal Government provides the enabling environment. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said the new phase is being designed to ensure stability, availability and affordability of farming inputs for Nigerian farmers.
According to the minister, PFI 3.0 will build on earlier gains that expanded local blending capacity and improved nationwide distribution. The programme is expected to deepen collaboration with private blenders and logistics companies so that fertiliser reaches farmers on time and at more predictable prices.
Meanwhile, the Organic Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (OFSPAN) has called on the Federal Government to formally integrate organic fertiliser production and distribution into the initiative, describing this as essential for long term soil health, climate resilience and sustainable food security.
The National President of the association praised the PFI for reviving dormant blending plants, stabilising fertiliser prices, creating jobs and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported finished fertilisers. The association also stressed that wider organic use would support jobs and rural livelihoods and cut fertiliser import dependence.
OFSPAN further urged the government to sustain strict control over the importation of fertiliser raw materials. “This measure remains indispensable for preventing market abuse, curbing the influx of substandard and adulterated materials, stabilising market prices, ensuring consistent availability of inputs, and protecting local producers from unfair distortions caused by uncontrolled importation,” the association said. The group added that government should “continue engaging stakeholders, uphold policy consistency, expand access to financing, and strengthen regulatory enforcement,” arguing that these steps will significantly reinforce Nigeria’s fertiliser sector and boost national agricultural productivity.
