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Experts Urge Nigeria to Adopt Crop-Specific Fertilisers to Boost Food Production

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Experts have urged Nigeria to shift from general fertilisers to crop-specific solutions to improve yields, reduce waste and strengthen food security

Agricultural experts have called on Nigeria to move away from general-purpose fertilisers and adopt crop-specific solutions to improve productivity and strengthen food security.

Also read: Ogun Senator Adeola Cautions Supporters Over Early 2027 Campaign Billboards

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They say fertilisers tailored to specific crops and soil types can help farmers achieve higher yields, reduce waste, and improve overall soil health.

The global market for specialised fertilisers is projected to grow significantly, rising from about $37.78 billion to $64.81 billion by 2033, representing an annual growth rate of about 6.18 percent.

Specialised fertilisers are designed to enhance nutrient efficiency and crop performance.

Unlike conventional products, they release nutrients slowly or in controlled forms and are often customised for specific crops and soil conditions.

These include micronutrient blends, slow-release fertilisers, and formulations enriched with plant growth enhancers.

Experts say they help farmers maximise nutrient use while reducing environmental impact.

In the Middle East and Africa, the market is also expanding, with projections showing growth from $4.93 billion to $7.22 billion by 2031, driven by government food security initiatives, irrigation systems, and modern farming techniques.

Policies such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Morocco’s phosphate industry strategy, and South Africa’s climate-smart agriculture programmes are supporting this expansion.

Globally, consumption of specialised fertilisers reached 18.8 million tons in 2024, a 5 percent increase from the previous year, with water-soluble fertilisers recording the fastest growth at 12 percent.

These products are widely used because they dissolve easily in water and can be applied through irrigation systems or foliar spraying, making them more efficient and practical for farmers.

In Nigeria, experts argue that shifting to crop-specific fertilisers is essential for improving food production and reducing import dependence.

The Managing Director of OCP Africa Fertilizers Nigeria Limited, Caleb Usoh, said fertiliser use must be based on soil and crop requirements to achieve optimal results.

He noted that research has already identified ideal nutrient combinations for crops such as rice, maize, tomato, cocoa, and wheat, but many farmers still rely on general fertilisers like 20-10-10 or 15-15-15.

Usoh called on the government to promote the use of specialised fertilisers, especially in public agricultural programmes, to boost national output.

He also warned that poor soil management could hinder Nigeria’s ability to meet rising food demand, noting that wheat consumption is projected to reach about 6.8 million tons while local production remains low.

Meanwhile, global fertiliser producer OCP Group has announced planned maintenance work at some of its facilities, which could reduce output by up to 30 percent in the second quarter.

Also read: Ogun Senator Adeola Cautions Supporters Over Early 2027 Campaign Billboards

The company also cited supply constraints, including shortages of sulphur and ammonia, as well as weather-related disruptions affecting port operations.

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Governor Dauda Lawal woos investors, highlights Zamfara’s economic opportunities at CEO Forum

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Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has called for stronger collaboration between government, businesses and investors to unlock private capital and drive inclusive economic growth in the state.

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Lawal made the call while delivering a Special Policy Address at the 2026 CEO Forum organised by the Global Compact Network Nigeria in Lagos.

The forum, held under the theme “Financing a Dignified Future: Aligning Business Action, Policy and Capital,” brought together chief executives, senior government officials, industry leaders, diplomats, trade commissioners and international development partners.

Participants were drawn from key sectors of the economy, including oil and gas, energy, manufacturing, construction and infrastructure.

The governor spoke on the growing competition among states for increasingly selective private capital and the factors that could transform an economic opportunity into an investable proposition.

He explained how his administration was working to bridge the gap between available economic opportunities and investment, with emphasis on building investor confidence while ensuring that investments deliver meaningful outcomes for the people of Zamfara.

According to him, attracting investment requires more than identifying economic opportunities, but also creating the conditions, policies and partnerships capable of giving investors confidence to commit capital.

The forum provided a platform for business leaders, government officials and investors to examine ways of aligning business strategies, public policies and capital deployment to unlock productive investment.

Discussions also focused on identifying businesses, sectors and projects with strong potential but facing difficulties in accessing financing, as well as measures to make such opportunities more attractive to investors.

The organisers also introduced the concept of the “Dignity Dividend,” examining how investment-led growth could translate into better jobs, stronger businesses, increased productivity, local value creation and broader economic participation.

Another key component of the forum was the identification of actionable commitments and partnerships that participating institutions could advance over the next six to 12 months.

Notable speakers at the event included chief executives of First Bank Group, Access Bank, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Nigerian Exchange Group, Chellarams Plc, SecureID Group and Greenwich Merchant Bank Plc, among others.

The organisers said the session would culminate in a live showcase of the Business Value and Sustainability Platform (BVSP), described as a standing coalition of business, capital and policy actors designed to sustain the dialogue.

The platform is also expected to contribute to shaping Nigeria’s private-sector engagement during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week.

The governor’s participation in the forum comes as Zamfara seeks to strengthen its economic base, attract productive investment and create opportunities that can support sustainable livelihoods and wider participation in the state’s economy.

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Economy

Fuel subsidy debate: Between economic reform and political expediency

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Atiku petrol subsidy plans have reignited Nigeria’s 2027 debate as the ADC candidate promises relief while the Presidency demands clarity

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Lawal Strengthens Zamfara Judiciary With ₦600m Support

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The governor distributed official vehicles to judicial officers and said about 90 per cent of court rehabilitation projects across the state had been completed

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