Nigeria has secured fertiliser supplies for the 2026 wet season through an early procurement strategy that has generated estimated savings of ₦61.58 billion ($43.99 million) while protecting the country’s agricultural sector from global supply chain disruptions.

The initiative, implemented under the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) through PFI NPK Limited, aims to ensure uninterrupted access to fertiliser inputs for farmers nationwide and support food production during the upcoming planting season.

According to the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), the government moved early to secure critical fertiliser raw materials before international prices surged due to disruptions in global shipping routes and supply chains.

The procurement strategy enabled Nigeria to lock in lower prices for key fertiliser components, including Granular Ammonium Sulphate (GAS), Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) and Muriate of Potash (MOP). Officials said the forward-buying approach significantly reduced exposure to rising global commodity prices and market volatility.

Government records show that nine vessels carrying 407,304 metric tonnes of fertiliser inputs were secured, increasing total available raw materials for 2026 production to 534,219 metric tonnes when combined with existing stock balances.

The raw materials are being processed through 94 fertiliser blending plants registered under the Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN), supporting domestic manufacturing and strengthening local agro-industrial capacity.

Distribution efforts are already underway ahead of the peak planting season. More than 323,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser inputs, equivalent to approximately 6.5 million 50kg bags, have been released to blending plants, while nearly 200,000 metric tonnes have already been distributed across the supply chain.

Officials say the early deployment of fertiliser products will help reduce the risk of seasonal shortages that often affect agricultural output and food production.

Financial analysis indicates that the government secured GAS at $228 per metric tonne compared with current market prices of $343, while DAP was purchased at $775 per tonne against current levels of $950. MOP was secured at $400 per tonne, below prevailing prices of approximately $430 per tonne. These price advantages collectively generated savings of nearly $44 million.

Agriculture remains a key pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy, contributing significantly to employment, rural development and food supply. Fertiliser availability plays a critical role in improving crop yields, stabilising food prices and reducing dependence on imported food products.

The scale of operations has also expanded considerably. Following the delivery of 648,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser raw materials in 2025, projected volumes for 2026 have increased to 1.52 million metric tonnes, reflecting efforts to strengthen national food security and agricultural productivity.

Looking ahead, the Federal Government plans to introduce additional reforms across the fertiliser value chain, including government-to-government sourcing agreements, digital tracking systems for procurement and distribution, and enhanced transparency measures.

The strategy underscores Nigeria’s commitment to improving agricultural resilience, reducing exposure to global market shocks and supporting long-term food security through local production and efficient supply management.