The International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has reiterated its readiness to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) to promote soil health and strengthen sustainable farming systems across Nigeria.
Dr. Beatrice Aighewi, Head of Station at IITA Abuja, made this known in an interview with journalists during the launch of the Nigerian Farmers Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS) in Abuja.
The NFSHS is a wide-ranging initiative focused on enhancing soil fertility, promoting sustainable land use, and advancing climate-resilient agricultural practices nationwide.
According to Aighewi, the programme will provide farmers with real-time information on soil conditions, enabling them to make better decisions, increase yields, and reduce production costs.
She described IITA as a strategic ally of the ministry in efforts to restore soil quality and support sustainable agricultural production across the country.
“Healthy soil is the foundation of food production, so it must be prioritised in every agricultural policy and practice,” she said.
Aighewi noted that IITA currently hosts the ECOWAS Centre of Excellence, Soil Laboratory in Ibadan, which serves as the “Regional Hub for Fertiliser and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel.”
She explained that the laboratory’s activities are part of a renewed partnership between the Nigerian government and IITA to improve soil management and strengthen the agricultural sector.
“At the hub, our goal is to ensure that farmers’ soils are alive and fertile because only healthy soils can guarantee better yields, higher incomes, and lasting livelihoods,” she said.
She further encouraged farmers to take full advantage of the NFSHS by utilising soil laboratories to access key information that can enhance their productivity.
In the same vein, Prof. Vincent Aduramigba, Visiting Scientist at the Regional Hub for Fertiliser and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel, said the hub provides scientific expertise, innovation, and collaboration to enhance soil fertility and food security across the sub-region.
He said ECOWAS owns the hub, while IITA provides the technical coordination and research input for participating countries.
“The hub focuses on translating soil fertility research into practical outcomes that empower farmers to improve productivity and livelihoods using proven agronomic practices,” he said.
Aduramigba highlighted that IITA’s role in the soil health programme is pivotal to ensuring that agricultural development efforts are science-driven and locally relevant.
He added that the Federal Government’s plan to establish 774 soil health laboratories across the country would help farmers access reliable soil data, improve yields, and secure sustainable livelihoods.
Also speaking, Prof. Jubril Mohammed Jubril, President of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria (SSSN), emphasised that healthy soil remains the bedrock of agricultural productivity for both crops and livestock.
He expressed optimism that the NFSHS would guide farmers and fertiliser producers in developing and applying the right fertiliser types suited to different ecological zones across the country.
Jubril reaffirmed the society’s commitment to supporting the initiative, adding that the collaborative efforts among stakeholders marked a significant step toward revitalising Nigeria’s soil health and food security.