From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
As the 2025 farming season approaches, the Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN has assured Nigerian farmers of a seamless supply of quality and affordable fertilisers.
The association said it is working closely with government agencies and private sector stakeholders, to put strategic measures in place to ensure timely delivery and support for increased agricultural productivity.
FEPSAN President, Sadiq Kassim, gave the assurance at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, where he unveiled the industry’s value proposition for the year. He stated that the government’s continued backing has created an enabling environment for the fertilizer industry to thrive.
“We assure Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm at all. The association has put adequate measures in place to ensure a hitch-free fertilizer season for 2025.
“We are grateful for the immense support that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government continues to give to ensure that investments in the industry thrive and, more importantly, that farmers have timely access to affordable, quality fertilizers to boost productivity and ensure food security. The Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) is being strengthened to make it more efficient to meet the demand of manufacturers and blenders in Nigeria,” Kassim said.
The association’s president revealed that fertilizer stockpiles and raw material availability are at an all-time high. He noted that over 400,000 tons of NPK are currently in stock, and large quantities of essential raw materials, including DAP, MOP, and Granular Ammonium Sulphate, are scheduled to arrive between April and May.
“The industry has made arrangements for the continuous supply of raw materials. For example, 150,000 tons of MOP will begin arriving by the end of April, 100,000 tons of DAP and another 150,000 tons of GAS will start arriving in May,” he explained.
He added that, “Blenders have already requested raw materials to produce over 1 million tons of NPK. Historical figures from the past three years have been below this, which shows that the industry is now positioned to support the government’s agenda of doubling fertilizer consumption over the next two years.”
On ensuring value for money, Kassim said the industry has made significant progress progress in developing specialized fertilizer blends tailored to specific crops and soil types, with support from agricultural research institutions.
“We have moved past generic fertilizer production. Today, we are producing crop-specific, soil-specific fertilizers that are more cost-effective and give better results. Our blenders are now providing customized solutions backed by extension services at the community level.
“We are also ensuring strict compliance with the Fertilizer Quality Control Act of 2019. The Office of the National Security Adviser and other agencies are working with us to enforce security protocols across production, distribution, and movement, especially in sensitive areas like the North East,” he said.
Also speaking, the National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kabir Kebram, lauded FEPSAN’s efforts, noting that the focus on tailored fertilizer solutions and regulatory control will boost food production and farmer confidence.
According to him, “The most important thing is that we are very happy that we have been buying generic fertilizers. For instance, if we have a plot where we are going to plant maize, and investigations are done, we can have a soil card that tells us what the soil is lacking.”
“When we buy fertilizers that are necessary for that soil, they may even be cheaper, so more farmers will be able to afford them. The control of quality and distribution is very effective now. It has become institutionalized.”
Kebram went on to praise FEPSAN’s regulatory structure and quality control measures, adding that every fertilizer producer in the country should be mandated to join the association for better quality control.
“I believe FEPSAN is like a cartel, a very positive one. It ensures only safe, quality fertilizers reach the market. Every human being in Nigeria needs food that is nutritious, safe, and of the right quality. That’s why it’s crucial that producers are registered and regulated,” he said.