FG, IFDC Partner to Boost Fertilizer Access, Soil Health for Food Security
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has entered into a partnership with the International Fertilizer Development Centre (IFDC) to enhance fertilizer availability, improve soil health, and strengthen Nigeria’s drive towards food and nutrition security.
The collaboration was unveiled during a bilateral meeting between the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, and senior IFDC officials on the sidelines of the Africa Food Systems Forum held recently in Dakar, Senegal.
Kyari explained that the initiative would provide technical assistance for data-driven fertilizer recommendations, support local blending capacity, curb adulteration in the supply chain, and promote climate-smart soil fertility practices.
He noted that the Ministry’s flagship Nigeria Farmers Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS) is a major step toward transforming the country’s agricultural landscape. The scheme, he said, will deliver crop- and location-specific fertilizer recommendations to improve productivity.
“Stronger partnership with IFDC will help improve soil health, ensure quality inputs reach farmers on time, and advance food security in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for the agriculture sector,” Kyari said.
He added that interventions must prioritize affordability, quality assurance, and timely delivery to farmers, especially in staple crop-producing areas, while aligning with broader efforts to raise productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve livelihoods.
IFDC President and Chief Executive Officer, Henk Van Deepen, emphasized that the partnership would strengthen private-sector distribution networks, promote targeted soil testing, encourage balanced nutrient use, and train farmers on best agronomic practices.
He further stressed that evidence-based policies would be advanced to support competitive and transparent input markets across Nigeria.
To drive implementation, both organizations agreed to establish a Technical Committee to work out the details of the collaboration.
© 2025, Standard Focus. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from STANDARD FOCUS.