The usage of fertiliser is related to crop growth, fertiliser speeds up the growth process and enables higher production. Agriculture currently accounts for 20% of Nigeria’s total GDP and has the capacity of becoming the leading source of income in Nigeria. Low usage of fertiliser is one of the major problems of the agricultural sector.
Between 2010-2016, Nigeria was mainly dependent on imports. The Country imported an average of 662,000 metric tons to make up the average consumption of 843,000 Metric tonnes each year, because only an average of 228,000 metric tons was produced. However, in 2017, the production of fertilisers increased by 104.4%, but imports also increased by 29.5%, because consumption increased by 63%. Local production of fertilisers increased in 2018 but decreased in 2019 and 2020, while imports and consumption decreased in 2018 and 2019 but increased in 2020.
The dependence on imports and the devaluing of the naira has led to a hike in the price of fertilisers which makes it difficult for farmers to purchase, especially smallholder farmers in rural communities.
Aliyu Dangote recently commissioned a new fertiliser plant in Lagos Nigeria, the launch of this new plant has been projected to make fertiliser available in sufficient quantities and qualities for farmers and also for exports to other countries.