Business
Fertiliser Crisis Sparks Alarming Global Food Risk
Fertiliser Supply Crisis Risk rises as ITC warns shortages could hit global food production, driving inflation and deepening food insecurity
The International Trade Centre has warned that a worsening fertiliser supply crisis risk could significantly undermine global food security, as disruptions in key shipping routes and geopolitical tensions strain agricultural supply chains across developing economies.
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The alert comes amid growing concerns that shortages in fertiliser markets may pose a more immediate threat than rising energy costs, with far-reaching consequences for crop production, food prices, and economic stability in import-dependent regions.
ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton said fertiliser remains a critical input for global agriculture, stressing that any prolonged disruption in supply would directly weaken food production systems, particularly in vulnerable economies already exposed to external shocks.
At the centre of the disruption is the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor responsible for transporting around one-third of global urea fertiliser shipments.
Escalating geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the United States have contributed to shipping interruptions, tightening global supply during a crucial agricultural cycle.
The United Nations has confirmed that diplomatic engagements are ongoing to secure safe passage through the waterway, although uncertainty persists over how quickly normal trade flows can be restored.
The Fertiliser Supply Crisis Risk is expected to weigh heavily on import-dependent nations across Africa and Asia, including Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Thailand and Sri Lanka, where agricultural systems rely heavily on timely fertiliser deliveries.
In these regions, analysts warn that delayed or reduced access to fertiliser could result in lower crop yields, particularly as farmers face narrow planting windows and unpredictable rainfall patterns. The impact could extend beyond immediate production losses into longer-term food shortages.
Experts caution that reduced fertiliser application may trigger a chain reaction of declining harvests, rising food inflation and heightened food insecurity, with sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia identified as the most exposed regions.
While some alternative supply routes exist, including potential exports from Egypt and Algeria, the ITC noted that logistical constraints and limited production capacity are likely to delay any meaningful stabilisation of global supply.
The report also acknowledged that some developing economies may see limited short-term benefits from higher energy prices, particularly oil and gas exporters such as Nigeria, Brazil, Angola, Algeria and Malaysia. However, it warned that these gains are unlikely to offset broader structural risks.
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Ultimately, the ITC described the situation as a dual economic shock, combining energy market volatility with a more immediate fertiliser supply crisis risk that threatens agricultural output and deepens global vulnerability in the months ahead.
The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has dismissed allegations that it appropriated the Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit (NDEIS) brand, insisting it lawfully obtained trademark acceptance for the name and will proceed with its 2026 summit as scheduled.
In a statement issued on September 12, 2026, the chamber described claims by Kunle Nwiwa Junior as “cheap blackmail, misleading, mischievous and a misrepresentation of the facts,” maintaining that it independently developed the summit and followed all required regulatory procedures.
According to NDCCITMA, it applied for and received a Trademark Acceptance Letter for the name Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit (NDEIS) in August 2025 under File No. NG/TM/O/2025/387284.
The chamber said the chronology of events contradicts allegations that it copied another party’s application, arguing that its trademark acceptance predated the period during which Nwiwa’s own application was reportedly still pending before the relevant authorities.
“Economic Summit” is a generic expression
NDCCITMA further argued that the phrase “Economic Summit” is a generic description widely used for conferences that bring together governments, investors, businesses, development institutions and other stakeholders to discuss investment and economic development.
The chamber maintained that while concepts may be widely used, legal protection only arises from recognised intellectual property rights, including duly registered trademarks and other enforceable proprietary interests.
It therefore rejected suggestions that any individual or organisation has exclusive ownership of the broader concept of an economic summit.
Court grants interim injunction
Addressing reports that the summit had been halted, NDCCITMA said the dispute is already before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt and that there is no court order restraining the event.
The chamber disclosed that in Suit No. FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026, Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam granted an interim injunction restraining the defendants—Kunle Nwiwa Junior and Keneva Consult Ltd.—from interfering with the planned summit.
According to NDCCITMA, the court also directed the defendants to remove publications, notices, petitions, social media posts and other statements allegedly considered damaging to the chamber’s name, integrity and reputation pending the hearing of its motion for interlocutory injunction.
The matter has been adjourned until September 22, 2026 for further hearing.
Chamber rejects ₦500 million demand claim
NDCCITMA also alleged that it had received a demand from Nwiwa Junior requesting ₦500 million as a condition for abandoning his claims over the summit.
The chamber said the demand was rejected, adding that it subsequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over what it described as repeated harassment and threats directed at its officials.
It said the petition sought police intervention, including inviting the complainant for questioning and caution where necessary.
Summit opens September 15
Despite the legal dispute, NDCCITMA reaffirmed that the 2026 Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit will hold from September 15 to 17, 2026, at the Obi Wali Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The summit will be held under the theme “Driving Investment, Innovation & Industrial Growth in the Niger Delta” and is expected to bring together policymakers, investors, business leaders, development partners and industry stakeholders to discuss economic transformation across the region.
The chamber said it remains committed to promoting commerce, industry, trade, mining, agriculture and sustainable economic development throughout the Niger Delta while allowing the courts to determine all outstanding legal issues.
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