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  
 

FG, Partners Launch Project to Tackle Highly Hazardous Pesticides in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Ministry of Environment has launched a new initiative aimed at addressing the dangers posed by highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs), which have been linked to poisoning, deaths, and serious public health risks in Nigeria.

The project, titled “Addressing Highly Hazardous Pesticides Responsible for Poisoning and Death in Nigeria for Improved Decision-Making and Effective Poisoning Prevention,” was formally introduced at an inception workshop in Abuja.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders to chart strategies for improved regulation, informed decision-making, and stronger prevention mechanisms to reduce pesticide-related harm.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Environment (, the Director of the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health (Balarabe Lawal), Engr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, underscored the urgency of addressing the issue, noting that pesticides classified as highly hazardous continue to circulate in Nigerian markets despite being banned or heavily regulated in Europe.

She said: “This project seeks to protect the health and well-being of our citizens, especially farmers and farmworkers who are most vulnerable to pesticide exposure,” she said. “HHPs are responsible for immense damage in many developing countries, yet they are still widely used in West Africa due to weak regulatory frameworks and ineffective enforcement.”

The initiative is funded by the Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention (CPSP), University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, and is jointly implemented by the Federal Ministries of Environment, Agriculture and Food Security, Health and Social Welfare, as well as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The Ministry of Environment is serving as the lead agency.

Abubakar explained that the project aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to implement the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC), particularly target A7, which calls for the phase-out of highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture by 2035 where safer and affordable alternatives exist.

She highlighted that pesticide poisoning in Nigeria often occurs through intentional, accidental, or occupational exposure, with rural farming communities in low and middle-income countries most at risk. “Tracking suicide and suicidal behaviour is difficult due to stigma, inadequate reporting mechanisms, and the criminalization of suicide in Nigeria, which suppresses reporting,” she added.

Beyond health risks, the Director emphasized that excessive pesticide use has also triggered food safety concerns, leading to cases where Nigerian agricultural exports were rejected in international markets due to residues exceeding permissible limits.

To tackle these challenges, the project will promote the adoption of safer alternatives, including biopesticides and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, alongside stricter regulation, public awareness campaigns, and enhanced capacity building for relevant stakeholders.

Abubakar commended the CPSP for its financial and technical support and thanked participating stakeholders for their commitment. “Let us make the most of this opportunity to drive positive change. Together, we can substantially. reduce pesticide poisoning and suicide deaths in Nigeria,” she said.
End

NIN Registration: NIMC Assures Nigerians of Better Service Delivery

By: Michael Mike

The Director General/CEO of Nigeria Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote has assured Nigerian that the National Identification Number (NIN) would only get better as all the challenges in the process are addressed.

The DG gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja at the capacity building for staff in some of the state offices.

Coker-Odusote, who said the Commission was presently undertaking the training of its entire workforce, said Nigerians should expect the best from them after the training.

Represented by the Deputy Director, Training and Development, Olufunmilola Opesanwo, the DG told the trainees that “it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this important training programme, organized in partnership with our trusted facilitator, Toppy Integrated Limited. This initiative reflects our commitment to building a workforce that is not only efficient but also deeply rooted in the values of professional customer service, ethical practices, and organizational excellence.

“As custodians of Nigeria’s identity management system, we understand that our success depends not only on technology and processes, but also on the integrity, competence, and dedication of our people.

“Over the course of this programme, you will be equipped with skills and insights that will strengthen your capacity to serve Nigerians with greater efficiency, empathy, and accountability. We encourage you to actively participate, share experiences, and translate the knowledge gained here into practical action in your respective roles.

“Let me also acknowledge the efforts of Toppy Integrated Limited for anchoring this training. Their expertise and professionalism give us confidence that the objectives of this programme will be fully achieved.

“Together, let us seize this opportunity to reaffirm our shared vision: a world-class identity management system driven by excellence, ethics, and service to the Nigerian people.”

On his part, one of the facilitators, Dr. Ibrahim Gaddafi noted that: “The aim of this training is to build the capacity of NIMC staff on customer relations. The last time capacity training of this nature was organized for staff was 12 years ago.”

He added that: “We know that NIMC is the number one agency that manages database of Nigerians. The reason many Nigerians have not registered for NIN is the way they interact or the kind of perceived interactions they have with NIMC staff at registration centres. That was why this training was organized to increased the number of Nigerians on NIMC data base.

“The Hallmark of customer service is customer satisfaction and one of the ways to achieve this is through operational efficiency. This begins with the way we attend to our customers; in this case those who want to register for NIN. Some may be aggressive, but we have a responsibility as professionals to calm them down and attend to them in professional and efficient manner.”

Gaddafi said: “My expectations from the participants is that we want them to go back to their respective states and train their colleagues and third party that assist them in registering Nigerians.”

NIN Registration: NIMC Assures Nigerians of Better Service Delivery