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PFI Strengthens Nigeria’s Fertilizer Supply Chain, Boosting Confidence for Farmers
PFI Strengthens Nigeria’s Fertilizer Supply Chain, Boosting Confidence for Farmers
By: Michael Mike
In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for food sovereignty, the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI), a cornerstone of Nigeria’s food security strategy, is advancing efforts to secure a resilient and uninterrupted supply of fertilizer to Nigerian farmers.
As it enters a new phase, PFI 3.0 is laying the foundation for a stable supply of raw materials to blending plants, with the ultimate goal of making Nigeria self-sufficient in crop production for both food and industrial uses. As of September 2025, more raw materials have already been supplied or ordered than the total supplied in 2024, and additional arrangements have been concluded with fertilizer raw material manufacturers to stock warehouses nationwide. Blenders will have access to as much material as their production capacity can support. This is backed by verifiable data and a proven track record by the PFI, bolstering confidence among farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
In a statement from the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), new data confirms steady progress. From 2022 to date in 2025, 48 distinct vessels have delivered critical raw materials for fertilizer blending under the PFI. In 2025 alone, 10 vessels have already discharged and are expected to discharge cargoes, accounting for more than 560,000 metric tonnes of inputs received at Nigerian ports. This steady inflow is laying the foundation for robust production and ensuring continuity of supply and stability across Nigeria’s fertilizer value chain.
Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of MOFI, said that the focus of PFI extends beyond mere volumes.
He said: “We are meticulously building a system that can insulate farmers from global market shocks and instil the confidence needed for long-term agricultural planning. We see the PFI as a prime example of public–private collaboration that can solve complex national challenges, and its future is a testament to Nigeria’s capacity for strategic reform.”
This strategic inflow has enabled consistent local production, with over 4.5 million MT of finished fertilizer produced between 2021 and 2024. Cumulatively, since its inception, the PFI has facilitated the production of over 128 million bags of fertilizer, delivered directly to farmers across the country.
The Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) confirmed that a growing network of blending plants is key to this sustained output. “We have witnessed significant improvement in productive capacity since the PFI’s inception,” said Alhaji Sadiq Kassim, President of FEPSAN.
He said: “The number of operational blending plants has increased to over 90 across the country, giving us a total blending capacity of up to 13 million metric tonnes. This capacity is a critical asset in ensuring fertilizer is consistently available for our farmers, bringing it closer to their farms and reducing transportation costs.”
Although the supply is robust, industry leaders acknowledge farmers’ concerns regarding rising prices in recent seasons. They clarify that these pressures are a direct result of foreign exchange volatility and global raw material costs, not local scarcity. To address these external pressures, the PFI is preparing for its third phase, PFI 3.0, which was endorsed at the August 2025 Stakeholder Roundtable in Abuja.
MOFI is set to take over operational management from the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) by November 2025. This transition is expected to strengthen governance and provide seamless continuity as the programme enters its next, more ambitious phase. The PFI’s central mission remains providing Nigerian farmers with timely, affordable, and reliable access to fertilizer, and the system is now more resilient and dependable, giving farmers confidence in consistent supply.
Building on this foundation, PFI 3.0 under MOFI will introduce strategic reforms focused on year-round nationwide availability,enhanced cost efficiency, and stronger traceability to curb hoarding and diversion. A key priority is accelerating local sourcing, with a clear push to increase the proportion of inputs produced domestically over the coming years. This shift will strengthen Nigeria’s agro-industrial base and reduce reliance on unpredictable imports.
The PFI is a flagship programme of the Federal Government of Nigeria designed to provide farmers with reliable and affordable access to high-quality fertilizer. Since its inception in 2016, the PFI has revived local blending capacity, created jobs across the agricultural value chain, and significantly contributed to strengthening national food security.
PFI Strengthens Nigeria’s Fertilizer Supply Chain, Boosting Confidence for Farmers
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
By: Michael Mike
A human rights organisation, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd./Gte. (SOJA), has condemned the reported abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident and the alleged killing of a teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, as “a case too many.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group expressed deep concern over reports that armed attackers abducted teachers and students from schools within the council area around May 15, 2026, while Mr. Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, was reportedly killed during the incident.
The organisation said several victims were still believed to be in captivity awaiting rescue.
SOJA, led by its Founder and Executive Director, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, commiserated with the affected families and communities, warning that repeated attacks on schools and civilians across parts of the country were becoming alarming.
According to the advocacy group, the incident, if confirmed, raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns under both Nigerian law and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, SOJA stressed that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” while Sections 33, 34 and 35 guarantee the rights to life, dignity and personal liberty.
The group also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under several international and regional legal frameworks, including the United Nations-backed International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
SOJA argued that the obligations imposed by these instruments go beyond symbolic commitments, requiring authorities to take practical and preventive steps to protect lives, especially those of vulnerable groups such as school children and teachers.
“The implication of these obligations in the present circumstances is that government responsibility extends beyond merely reacting after tragic events occur,” the statement said.
The organisation acknowledged reports that security agencies had intensified rescue operations and investigations, but maintained that recurring attacks on schools demanded more decisive and proactive measures.
“This is a case too many,” the statement added.
SOJA therefore called for the immediate intensification of lawful rescue efforts for those still in captivity, a thorough investigation into the incident, prosecution of perpetrators, strengthened security around schools and vulnerable communities, and adequate support for affected victims and families.
The group further urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of strategies aimed at preventing future attacks on educational institutions.
“Teachers should not become targets. Schools should not become zones of fear. Children should not bear the burden of insecurity,” the organisation stated.
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace have recovered a suspected stolen motorcycle following a pursuit of suspected motorcycle snatchers in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on May 21 along the Bachi-Banghai road after troops received reports on the activities of suspected motorcycle snatchers in the area.
The sources said the troops immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects, who abandoned the motorcycle and fled upon sighting the security personnel.
According to the sources, the recovered motorcycle has been secured, while efforts were ongoing to identify the rightful owner and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The military said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to combat criminal activities and enhance security across Plateau.
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace have launched a rescue operation following the abduction of a resident in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on May 21 when gunmen reportedly abducted Mr Eze Emeka from his residence at Agingi village.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the distress report and commenced rescue operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the sources, efforts were ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victim.
The military assured residents that security forces were intensifying operations to curb criminal activities in the area.
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
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