Abuja, June 13, 2026 – Nigeria has secured adequate fertiliser raw materials for the 2026 wet farming season following early procurement measures by the Federal Government aimed at protecting local agriculture from disruptions in the global market.
Dr Armstrong Takang, Director of PFI NPK Limited, disclosed this during an interview in Abuja, noting that the strategy has also generated significant cost savings before the peak planting period.
PFI NPK Limited, a subsidiary of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), serves as the implementation vehicle for the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative and oversees the bulk procurement and distribution of fertiliser raw materials across the country.
Takang explained that fresh global challenges affecting major shipping routes have triggered higher freight costs and increased prices of key fertiliser inputs such as Granular Ammonium Sulphate (GAS), Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) and Muriate of Potash (MOP).
He noted that while several African countries are facing shortages and rising fertiliser costs, Nigeria has been able to avoid similar pressures through proactive planning and timely procurement.
According to procurement records for the first quarter of 2026, the government secured nine vessels carrying a combined 407,304 metric tonnes of fertiliser raw materials. Combined with existing stock, the country has access to about 534,219 metric tonnes for NPK fertiliser production.
Takang said all necessary Letters of Credit had been established or fully settled, guaranteeing uninterrupted supply throughout the production cycle.
He further revealed that by mid-April, more than 323,109 metric tonnes of raw materials—equivalent to approximately 6.5 million bags of fertiliser—had been supplied to registered blending plants nationwide.
Of that quantity, over 198,264 metric tonnes, representing roughly four million 50kg bags, had already been distributed, demonstrating active movement of products to farmers ahead of the planting season.
He attributed the achievement to an early procurement strategy designed to cushion the country from international market volatility.
According to him, the decision to secure supplies and lock in prices before global market pressures intensified has prevented Nigeria from experiencing the disruptions affecting many fertiliser-importing nations.
Financial records reviewed alongside procurement data indicate that the strategy resulted in savings of about 43.99 million dollars, estimated at approximately ₦61.58 billion, compared to current international market prices.
The records showed that GAS was purchased at 228 dollars per metric tonne against a prevailing market price of 343 dollars, while DAP was secured at 775 dollars per tonne compared to 950 dollars. MOP was obtained at 400 dollars per tonne, below the current market rate of 430 dollars.
Takang stressed that maintaining affordable fertiliser supplies remains vital to boosting agricultural output and ensuring food security.
He explained that PFI NPK imports raw materials rather than finished fertiliser and distributes them to 94 blending plants registered under the Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN), thereby supporting local production and value addition.
The company supplied about 648,000 metric tonnes of raw materials in 2025, while operations for 2026 are projected to reach 1.52 million metric tonnes.
He added that strict oversight mechanisms are in place throughout the supply chain, including independent warehouse monitoring and regulatory compliance requirements involving NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria.
Support from security agencies and other government institutions has also helped strengthen nationwide distribution efforts.
Takang said ongoing initiatives include expanding government-to-government partnerships with international suppliers and developing a digital enterprise platform that will provide real-time monitoring of procurement, inventory and distribution activities.
He maintained that the ultimate objective is to ensure farmers can obtain fertiliser when needed and at prices that support productivity, thereby enhancing food production and long-term agricultural sustainability.