Nigeria launches major fertilizer distribution to boost 2026 farming season

The Federal Government of Nigeria secured more than 449,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer inputs – about nine million bags – for the 2026 planting season, generating N61.58 billion in savings. The effort, part of the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative and the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme, is aimed at protecting food security, reducing import dependence and keeping fertilizer affordable for farmers amid global supply shocks. Under the programme, 515,720 bags are being handed directly to 128,930 smallholder farmers across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with digital extension services and crop‑specific guidance.

In parallel, the Sokoto State Government began distributing 157,800 bags of assorted NPK and urea fertilisers, worth N7.7 billion, to farmers in all 23 local government areas. Governor Ahmed Aliyu highlighted the provision of improved seed varieties, herbicides, insecticides and a contract for 250 Massey Ferguson tractors, as well as a planned allocation of 100 Belarus tractors through a financing arrangement with the Bank of Agriculture. The state initiative seeks to raise crop productivity, lower production costs, strengthen food security and increase farmer earnings.

Both federal and state actions aim to stabilise input costs, boost agricultural output and support the livelihoods of millions of Nigerian farmers ahead of the 2026 wet farming season.