Agricultural researchers and industry experts have reaffirmed the need for stronger collaboration between academia and industry to revamp Nigeria’s fertiliser sector and address the nation’s growing food security challenges.
This was the thrust of a Special Gown-Town Seminar hosted by the Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme is “Revamping the Fertilizer Sector in Nigeria: Status and Prospects for Public-Private Partnerships.”
A Researcher, Dr Vincent Aduramigba-Modupe of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), highlighted the importance of developing a resilient and inclusive fertiliser system anchored on science, investment, and effective market participation.
“Partnering with key institutions, we can build formidable and winning teams for impactful partnerships with relevant agencies/stakeholders.
“Promote transfer of globally proven best fit fertilizer technologies that are technically appropriate, economically viable and acceptable to Nigerians,” he said.
According to him, building a science-led, Nigeria-customised fertiliser platform would not only improve productivity but also enhance policymakers’ understanding of critical input systems.
He called for deliberate investment in Research for Development and Extension (R4D&E).
Aduramigba-Modupe emphasised the need to strengthen human and institutional capacity to deliver sustainable fertiliser policy and advisory services, particularly to smallholder farmers.
Also, the Managing Director, Matrix Fertiliser Limited, Dr Aogo Olajide, said the current state of fertiliser usage in Nigeria presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
“Revamping Nigeria’s fertiliser sector is not just about technology. it is a strategic leap for national food security and economic transformation,” Olajide said.
He noted that although Nigeria produced about 4 million metric tonnes of Urea in 2024 and has over 90 blending plants nationwide, fertiliser usage remains far below potential.
Olajide said that the country has just 1 to 1.5 million metric tonnes consumed annually, compared to an admissible market size of over 6 million tonnes.
“Revamping Nigeria’s fertiliser industry is not merely a technical upgrade, it is a strategic leap towards securing the nation’s food future and unlocking untapped economic prosperity.
“Surely, a formidable fertiliser sector is what is highly required now for a sustainable food system that guarantees a nourished population, rural community development, wealth creation and a thriving economy that feeds itself and fuels progress,” he added.
Olajide identified key opportunities in strengthening farmer networks, improving infrastructure, promoting research and innovation, and intensifying farmer education to bridge existing gaps.
In her welcome address, the Head of the Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, Prof. Morufat Balogun, stated that the department was committed to bridging the gap between research and real-world agricultural needs.
“Our department therefore has the mission to create an enabling environment for cutting edge research geared towards producing novel crop species and pest diagnostic tools, and versatile graduates.
“We are also a foremost interface between research output and end users in innovative eco-friendly crop production practices with no threat to the environment,” she said.
Balogun praised the department’s long-standing partnerships with institutions such as the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and NAFDAC, which have contributed to producing graduates who are impacting agriculture globally.
Earlier in her address, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Prof. Yemisi Bamgbose represented by Dr Folake Tabitha called for synergy and collaboration towards speciality fertiliser development.
She noted the need to engage researchers in collaboration with industry to develop local solutions to bridge the existing gaps in the agricultural sector.
Also the Chairman of the occasion and Director, IAR&T, Prof. Gabriel Oluwatosin commended the department, adding that the seminar was apt and complement other efforts towards food security in Nigeria.
“Crop cannot grow or express its genetic component without proper environment,” Oluwatosin said.
Participants at the seminar including academics, private sector representatives, and farmers agreed that collaborative efforts must be scaled up to drive Nigeria’s fertiliser revolution and, by extension, achieve national food sufficiency.
