Food Security: FG to intensify support for local fertiliser production
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By Doris Esa
The Federal Government says it will intensify support for local fertiliser production, enhance climate-smart agricultural initiatives, and strengthen extension systems by recruiting and equipping more agents.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, stated this at the presentation of the 2025 Agriculture Performance Survey Report (APS) by the National Agricultural Extension and Liaison Services (NAERLS), in Abuja.
The APS was jointly conducted by NAERLS of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with collaborating departments, agencies, and development partners.
The minister said that government would leverage digital tools to reach a greater number of farmers in the country.
He said that the survey remained one of the most essential instruments for evidence-based planning, monitoring, and policy direction in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“We will intensify support for local fertiliser production, enhance climate-smart agricultural initiatives, and strengthen extension systems by recruiting and equipping more agents, as well as leveraging digital tools to reach a greater number of farmers.
“Equally, we recognise the urgency of modernising mechanisation services, promoting the inclusion of youth and women through affordable labour-saving technologies, and investing in post harvest handling, storage and processing facilities to minimise losses and boost value addition,” he said.
Kyari said that the ministry shall institutionalise the Dry Season APS as a complement to the wet season APS, ensuring that national agricultural planning becomes a year-round, data-driven exercise.
He said the ministry would also deepen collaboration with the private sector, research institutions, and subnational governments to sustain the positive trajectory of agricultural performance reflected in the report.
The minister said that the 2025 APS findings presented both encouraging progress and critical challenges.
“On a positive note, the report confirms steady growth in the production of major staples—rice, maize, sorghum, millet, cowpea, yam, and cassava—all of which show increases over 2024 levels.
“This progress, coupled with a significant drop in food prices across all zones, is a clear reflection of improved supply conditions and the cumulative effect of our ongoing interventions in input support, extension delivery and mechanisation,” he said.
Kyari expressed delight that farmers across regions have demonstrated remarkable resilience despite irregular rainfall, localised flooding, and pest pressures.
“Together, we will continue to transform Nigerian agriculture into a sector that is productive, inclusive and resilient,” Kyari said.
In his presentation, the Executive Director, NAERLS, Prof. Yusuf Ahmad, said that in spite of improved availability of fertilisers following government interventions, price inflation remained a major challenge in 2025.
He said that cost of producing major crops in Nigeria rose significantly in 2025 compared to 2024 adding though the increases varied by crop.
“The 2025 Agricultural Performance Survey reveals that Nigerian agriculture remains a vital source of stability and opportunity, contributing to food security and economic growth.
“Production of major crops increased over 2024 levels, while food prices fell across all zones, reflecting improved supply and the effectiveness of ongoing interventions,” he said.
He said the report recommended secure affordable inputs for farmers by expanding domestic fertiliser production, digitising subsidy, and partnering with the private sector to guarantee timely and affordable delivery to farmers across all zones.
Earlier, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, said the annual survey remained one of the reliable long standing mechanisms for accessing the state of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He said that the 2025 edition of the APS underscored the enduring partnership between the university and the ministry in supporting agricultural policies and planning with credible data.
Ahmed was represented by Prof. Sanusi Rafindadi, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Advance Research and Innovation, ABU. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
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