FEPSAN Assures Adequate Fertiliser Supply, Outlines Strategic Plans

The Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) has assured farmers across the country that sufficient quantities of affordable and high-quality fertilizers will be available for the 2025 farming season.

“There will be adequate quality of fertilizer to Nigerian farmers. And we are assuring of the right quality and value for best harvest,” President of the association, Sadiq Kassim assured during a media chat with Business Correspondents in Abuja on Wednesday.

Kassim said the association, in collaboration with key government partners, has taken concrete steps to ensure a seamless and productive farming season with good quality products, emphasising the continued support of the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He disclosed that the industry is starting the 2025 season with a stock of 400,000 metric tons of NPK fertilizer, with raw materials already in-country including 80,000 tons of Diammonium Phosphate, 60,000 tons of Muriate of Potash, and 114,000 tons of Granular Ammonium Sulphate. Urea, which is produced locally, can be replenished within a week when needed.

To further strengthen supply, he said arrangements have been made with PFI-NPK Ltd for the continued supply of additional 150,000 tons of Granular Ammonium Sulphate to start arriving by May and 150,000 tons of MOP to begin arriving by the end of April, and 150,000 tons of GAS also starting in May.

According to him, over 90 blending plants across the country are equipped to deliver customised fertilizer formulations, while blenders have already submitted requests for raw materials to produce over one million tons of NPK—exceeding previous years’ outputs.

Kassim said this reflects the industry’s readiness to support the government’s target of doubling national fertilizer consumption within two years.

Kassim highlighted that the industry, working with research institutions, has developed crop- and soil-specific blends aimed at ensuring farmers get value for money. These tailored solutions are designed to optimise productivity while remaining affordable.

“Blenders have put in request for raw materials to blend over one million tons or NPK,” he said, adding that blenders are also supporting last-mile delivery by offering community-based extension education to farmers, helping them apply fertilizers correctly for the best outcomes.

He claimed that all fertilizer production and distribution processes are carried out in compliance with the Fertilizer Quality Control Act, 2019, implemented by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. “The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) also oversees compliance with security protocols—especially in sensitive regions—ensuring that all blenders obtain movement permits before distributing fertilizers in the North East.”

Kassim said FEPSAN is promoting balanced fertilizer use and soil health management, encouraging farmers to follow seasonal climate predictions released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). He also advised farmers to conduct soil tests to enable blenders design fertilizers that match the nutritional needs of different soils and crops.

The association is also participating in the federal government’s Soil Health Card scheme, which supports data-driven decisions in farm input applications.

The FEPSAN president announced that the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI), now managed by PFI-NPK Ltd, has been restructured for better efficiency. The new arrangement enables blenders to access high-quality raw materials in a timely and cost-effective manner.

The federal government has made provisions in the national budget to support the reduction of fertilizer production costs. Kassim revealed that hidden costs—such as clearing, logistics, packaging, and handling—have been identified and addressed, with up to 10% in cost savings expected this year.

He expressed FEPSAN’s appreciation to the federal government and various supporting agencies, including the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MoFI), Nigeria Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Fertilizer Industry Sustainability Secretariat (FISS), ONSA, and NAFDAC, for ensuring the smooth operation of the fertilizer supply chain.

“We thank the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the unwavering support to sustain the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative,” Kassim stated.