Government eases concerns about fertilizer shortages and high prices

The Federal Government’s Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) has reassured Nigerian farmers that there will be no shortage or high cost of fertilizer.

Dr. Armstrong Takang, Director of the PFI, explained that the government secured early procurement to protect Nigeria from external shocks.

He said the Tinubu administration secured early orders and lower‑priced fertilizer before the crisis in Iran, shielding Nigerian farmers from the global disruption that has left many African countries facing fertilizer shortages and rising input costs.

According to Takang, the government has secured fertilizer for the 2026 wet season and saved the country more than $42 million ahead of the peak planting period.

“The latest disruptions, linked to escalating tensions affecting critical global shipping routes, have pushed up freight costs and driven increases in prices of key fertilizer inputs,” he said. “These include Granular Ammonium Sulphate (GAS), Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), and Muriate of Potash (MOP). Across multiple markets, supply gaps are emerging, leaving farmers uncertain about availability and pricing ahead of the planting season.”

Official Q1 2026 procurement and shipment records released to the media show that the PFI locked in nine vessels carrying a combined 407,304 metric tonnes.

This brings the total raw materials to 534,219 MT, including the opening balance at the start of the 2026 cycle, available for NPK fertilizer production.

The records also show that by mid‑April 2026, more than 323,109.24 metric tonnes—approximately 6.5 million 50 kg bags—had been released to registered blending plants nationwide.

Over 198,264.41 metric tonnes, roughly 4 million 50 kg bags, had already been offtaken, indicating active distribution across the country ahead of peak planting.

Takang said, “We took a deliberate decision to move early, well ahead of market pressures, by securing supply, locking in pricing, and putting the necessary financial instruments in place.”

“That foresight by the Federal Government is what has ensured that Nigeria is not exposed to the disruptions currently affecting global fertilizer markets,” he added.

Financial data reviewed alongside the procurement records indicate that the government’s early purchasing strategy generated total savings of $43.99 million, equivalent to approximately N61.58 billion, compared with prevailing spot market prices.