Fertiliser Price Surge Looms as Farmers Prepares For Planting Season

By Paul Joseph

Fertiliser producers in Nigeria have raised concerns over a possible increase in prices, warning that a prolonged crisis in the Middle East could drive up production costs and impact food output nationwide.

The President of the Fertilisers Producers Association of Nigeria, Abubakar Kassim, disclosed that manufacturers are already well-prepared for the planting season, having secured sufficient raw materials before the escalation of the conflict.

He explained that while local production, particularly urea, provides some stability, global market disruptions are beginning to influence pricing trends.

According to him, if the crisis persists, fertiliser costs could continue to rise during the peak farming period.

Kassim assured that producers remain capable of meeting demand but warned that higher input costs may place additional strain on farmers already grappling with economic challenges.

He questioned whether many farmers would be able to afford fertilizer if prices climbed significantly, noting the potential ripple effect on food production.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government says it has constituted a committee, led by the Vice President, to assess the impact of the Middle East crisis on Nigeria’s agricultural sector and propose measures to cushion its effects.

A spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, confirmed that deliberations are ongoing.

Agriculture stakeholders have also renewed calls for the reintroduction of fertiliser subsidies to ease pressure on farmers.

Chairman of the Competitive African Rice Forum, Peter Dama, emphasised that fertiliser remains a critical component of food production and warned that rising costs could translate directly into higher food prices.

Dama urged the government to revive past subsidy programmes and ensure timely distribution of fertiliser, stressing that delays often render supplies ineffective after planting seasons have passed.

As planting season approaches, stakeholders warn that without swift intervention, rising fertiliser costs could deepen existing challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural sector and further strain food security.