FG to deliver 1.1 million tonnes of fertiliser to farmers in 2026 – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has said that the Federal Government remains on course to deliver a 1.1 million metric tonne fertiliser programme to farmers in 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen food security and boost agricultural productivity.

Tinubu disclosed this in a statement issued on June 18, where he highlighted his administration’s interventions aimed at supporting farmers, expanding local production and shielding the agricultural sector from global supply disruptions.

The President said the target is being pursued despite disruptions in global supply chains caused by the conflict in the Middle East, including the Iran crisis, which, although currently under a truce, created significant pressure on the global fertiliser market and threatened supplies in many countries.

Recalling the commitments he made during and shortly after the 2023 presidential election to support Nigerian farmers, reduce dependence on imports and build a more resilient agricultural sector, Tinubu said his administration is fulfilling those promises through targeted interventions across the fertiliser value chain.

The President said Nigeria remains on schedule to distribute enough fertiliser to support farmers across the country during the current farming season.

He also revealed that substantial volumes of fertiliser inputs have already been secured, providing confidence that supply targets will be achieved despite global market volatility.

Tinubu attributed the progress to reforms under the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI), which has now been restructured under the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).

According to him, the programme strengthened procurement processes, secured critical raw materials, improved coordination across the fertiliser value chain and protected local blending plants from the worst effects of international supply disruptions.

The President said Nigeria’s fertiliser sector has undergone significant expansion under his administration, with more than 90 fertiliser blending plants currently operational across the country—the largest blending capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa.

According to him, the growing capacity is creating jobs, supporting local manufacturing and improving the resilience of Nigeria’s food system.

Tinubu stressed that beyond ensuring adequate fertiliser production, the government is focused on ensuring timely access for farmers. To achieve this, the administration launched the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (RH-FISP) through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).

The President added that the NADF is also promoting modern farming practices through digital extension services, harmonised fertiliser application guidelines and targeted support for strategic crops such as rice, maize, cassava and soybean.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting farmers, strengthening agricultural value chains, boosting local industry and easing food inflation over time.

Nigeria currently has one of the largest fertiliser production capacities on the continent. Industry estimates indicate that the country has an annual installed capacity of about 16 million metric tonnes of assorted fertilisers, while domestic consumption remains around 2 million metric tonnes annually.

The country’s production capacity is expected to rise significantly in the coming years, driven largely by private-sector investments.

As part of the strategy, the group aims to quadruple fertiliser production from 3 million tonnes per annum to 12 million tonnes annually, a move that could make it the world’s largest urea fertiliser producer.