By Felicia Imohimi
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) have signed an MoU to enhance soil health, fertiliser efficiency and farm productivity in Nigeria.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, IITA Director-General, Dr Simeon Ehui, said the MoU supports the Nigeria Farmers Soil Health Scheme and national soil information system development.
Ehui said the agreement builds on initiatives promoting precise soil testing and crop-specific fertiliser recommendations to support sustainable intensification and climate-resilient farming nationwide.
According to him, the MoU addresses soil fertility challenges and fertiliser inefficiencies through data-driven tools, technology and regional expertise, expanding the soil health scheme launched on Oct. 14.
He said all activities would be implemented through the Regional Hub for Fertiliser and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel, hosted by IITA.
“The Regional Hub is designed to serve as the technical backbone for soil health and fertiliser use in West Africa and the Sahel,” Ehui said.
He added that Nigeria’s soil health initiative elevates soil health from a technical agenda to a national political priority.
Ehui said the initiative would create demand for digital soil maps, fertiliser recommendations and improved laboratory standards across the region.
He described Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy and a major food producer, stressing that the partnership deepens collaboration between IITA and the agriculture ministry.
According to him, both institutions will jointly address persistent soil fertility challenges using advanced technologies, regional expertise and evidence-based decision-making.
Ehui said the MoU underscores Nigeria’s commitment to institutionalising soil health as a national priority linked to food security, climate resilience and sustainable productivity.
Also speaking, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said healthy soil is fundamental to improved productivity and nutritious food systems.
Kyari assured that the ministry would ensure full implementation of the MoU in line with agreed timelines.
Similarly, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, said the MoU formalises collaboration and facilitates joint studies and due diligence.
Abdullahi said the agreement focuses on strengthening land management and climate services, building national capacity, and promoting a collaboration model replicable across the ECOWAS region.
He said soil health forms the foundation of agriculture, which employs over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s workforce and contributes greatly to national GDP.
However, Abdullahi noted that Nigeria’s soils face nutrient depletion, erosion and climate impacts, threatening food security, livelihoods and economic growth.
He said the partnership with IITA marks a crucial step towards addressing these challenges through science-based and sustainable solutions.
According to him, the MoU represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable agriculture and food security.
Abdullahi added that IITA’s expertise in tropical agriculture and soil science would be vital to advancing the initiative.
“Together, we will equip farmers with knowledge and resources to optimise fertiliser use, enhance soil health and boost productivity,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
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