The Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) has delivered 90 million bags of locally blended high-quality fertilizers to farmers to date.
Under the strategic leadership of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), the PFI has revitalized and established 84 blending plants across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
This initiative has resulted in over USD 200 million in foreign exchange savings, created more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, and generated annual fiscal savings of over N60 billion through the elimination of fertilizer subsidies.
This was disclosed on Monday by the Managing Director and CEO of NSIA, Aminu Umar-Sadiq, who was represented by Sybil Etuk, Head of Corporate Planning, NSIA, at the PFI Stakeholders’ Roundtable in Abuja.
While speaking at the PFI Stakeholders’ Roundtable, Aminu Umar-Sadiq stated, “PFI aligns with the Authority’s mandate to strengthen the agricultural sector, uphold import substitution as a critical lever for national development, and ultimately create shared value for all stakeholders. To date, the initiative has delivered 90 million bags of locally blended high-quality fertilizers to farmers.”
The NSIA highlighted the transformative impact of the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) on Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem during its eight years of implementation.
Notably, despite disruptions in supply chains caused by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, the initiative ensured a steady supply of fertilizers across the country.
However, the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on key imported raw materials continues to exacerbate cost pressures, adding complexity to the value chain.
Recognizing these challenges, the NSIA is actively working with its partners to ensure that the PFI continues to deliver on its mission to support Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Speaking at the event, the Project Lead, Iruansi Itoandon, described the program as “a shining example of what we can achieve when we work together with a shared vision for our country’s future.”
With the next phase of the initiative approaching, the NSIA re-emphasized the need to continue strategically positioning the PFI to achieve maximum impact in this critical ecosystem.
Echoing this vision, the President of the Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN), Sadiq Kassim, proposed that the PFI, in collaboration with FEPSAN, establish a fertilizer institute to build the technical and financial capacity of players within the ecosystem.
As Nigeria celebrates the PFI’s achievements in improving agricultural productivity and bolstering food security, greater inter-agency collaboration is envisioned to transition the initiative into full private sector control for its continued success and the sustained development of Nigeria.
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As the operator of the PFI, the NSIA convened key stakeholders to review these accomplishments, address ongoing challenges, and explore prospects for further development in the industry.
Launched in 2016, the PFI was conceived to address challenges in Nigeria’s fertilizer sector, which had long been hampered by inefficiencies and an over-reliance on imports.
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority is an investment institution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, established by the Nigeria Sovereign Wealth Act (2011) to manage and invest in a diversified portfolio of medium and long-term funds.
Its mission is to play a leading role in driving sustained economic development for the benefit of all Nigerians by building a savings base for the Nigerian people, enhancing the development of Nigeria’s infrastructure, and providing stabilization support in times of economic stress.
The NSIA operates three distinct funds: the Stabilization Fund, the Future Generations Fund, and the Nigeria Infrastructure Fund.
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