FG Moves to Harmonise Fertiliser Application to Boost Food Production, Protect Soil Health

By Margaret Abah

The Federal Government has taken steps to harmonise fertiliser application across the country as part of efforts to improve food production, protect soil health, and safeguard consumers.

The initiative was disclosed on Tuesday by the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Mohammed Ibrahim, during the National Stakeholders’ Workshop for the Validation of the Harmonised Fertiliser Manual held in Abuja.

Ibrahim said the adoption of a unified national fertiliser manual would enhance productivity and ensure sustainable farming practices nationwide. He noted that while fertiliser remains a critical driver of agricultural output, its benefits depend largely on proper and responsible application.

“Fertiliser is a major driver of productivity, but it only delivers value when it is applied correctly and responsibly,” Ibrahim said. “When guidance is inconsistent or fragmented, we lose efficiency and risk long-term damage to soil health.”

According to him, the harmonised manual will promote higher yields, smarter input use and sustainable agricultural practices, in line with NADF’s mandate to support evidence-based interventions and partnerships in the sector.

“This initiative aligns directly with our focus on impact—improving productivity, safeguarding soil health, and strengthening food security,” he added.

Ibrahim urged stakeholders at the workshop to actively contribute practical recommendations that would ensure a clear pathway for national adoption and effective implementation of the manual. He assured that NADF would support efforts to move the document from policy to field application through collaboration with relevant institutions and agricultural extension systems.

In his opening remarks, the Director of Farm Inputs Support Services (FISS) at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Abana Abba, highlighted the long-standing challenges caused by conflicting fertiliser application recommendations across the country.

Abba explained that inconsistent guidelines have often resulted in over-fertilisation in some areas, under-fertilisation in others, and improper nutrient balance for specific soils and crops.

“It is for these reasons that we are gathered here today as a deliberate and fundamental step towards a firm commitment to precision agriculture,” he said.

He further stated that the validation exercise is also aimed at addressing the challenge of “hidden hunger”—micronutrient deficiencies in food that lead to undernutrition. According to him, healthy soils are essential for producing nutritious crops that support healthy lives.

“By validating this manual, we are ensuring that farmers apply the right nutrients at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place,” Abba said.

He added that the collective goal of stakeholders is to transition from generalised and inefficient fertiliser practices to site-specific recommendations that are scientifically sound, economically viable and environmentally sustainable.

The harmonised fertiliser manual is expected to play a key role in advancing food and nutrition security, as well as strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.