Agricultural experts at the Nigeria Fertilizer Summit have called for better soil testing, balanced fertilizer application and stronger collaboration to improve food security and boost agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
The call came at the 2026 Nigeria Fertilizer Summit, held in Abuja under the theme: “Phosphorus and Food Security: Challenges in Food Production Systems in Nigeria.”
Participants stressed that better soil management and efficient fertilizer use are essential to sustainable food production.
The Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Obafemi Awolowo University, organised the summit in partnership with the Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The event brought together researchers, policymakers, fertilizer manufacturers, regulators and farmers.
Representing the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the ministry’s Director of Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services, Mr Oshadiya Olanipekun, highlighted the importance of soil data, laboratory testing and crop-specific fertilizer recommendations in improving farm productivity.
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The Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor A.S. Bamire, said improving agricultural productivity requires responsible nutrient management, research, innovation and stronger partnerships, rather than simply increasing fertilizer application.
Soil Intelligence
At the summit, soil scientists emphasised that soil intelligence and balanced fertilizer use are essential to improving crop yields and strengthening food security in Nigeria.
Professor Vincent Aduramigba-Modupe, a soil scientist and modelling expert at IAR&T, said farmers need fertilizer recommendations that reflect their soil conditions and crop requirements.
“Improving crop productivity is not only about applying fertilizer. It is about ensuring the right nutrient is applied in the right amount, at the right place, and under the right conditions,” he said.
Professor Jibrin Mohammed Jibrin, Visiting Scientist with the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel, described healthy soils and reliable soil information as foundations for sustainable food production.
“The basis of food production and food security is the soil. You need healthy soil to produce well and feed the nation with nutritious food. To do that, you need soil intelligence,” he said.
Participants identified digital soil maps, laboratory services, soil information systems and digital advisory tools as practical solutions for improving fertilizer-use efficiency. These tools can help farmers make informed decisions about the nutrients their crops need.
Dr Bello Muhammad Shehu, Senior Agronomist at the Regional Hub, said effective phosphorus management requires a clear understanding of soil conditions, crop needs and the availability of suitable fertilizers.
He added that farmers also need access to reliable agricultural advice to ensure they use the right products and apply them effectively.
Collaboration
The Nigeria Fertilizer Summit also highlighted the need for stronger coordination among government agencies, research institutions, fertilizer producers and development partners.
Participants said better collaboration could reduce duplication, improve the implementation of soil-health initiatives and strengthen agricultural development across Nigeria.
Professor Jibrin said stakeholders must work together to achieve lasting improvements in fertilizer management and food production.
“Too many initiatives have been implemented in silos. Real progress will come when stakeholders align, collaborate and follow through on agreed actions,” he said.
Incoming Director of the Regional Hub, Bastiaan Huesken, said the organisation aims to translate scientific evidence into practical recommendations, products and advice that farmers can use.
“The Hub was created to turn soil data into recommendations, and recommendations into products and advice that farmers can use,” he said.
The summit concluded with resolutions focused on strengthening soil information systems, agricultural extension services, fertilizer quality monitoring, nutrient management and digital decision-support tools.
The recommendations are intended to promote more efficient fertilizer use, healthier soils and improved agricultural productivity, supporting Nigeria’s wider food security goals.
