By: Kemi Akinseye
Nigeria has raised concern over the escalating cost and worsening shortage of fertiliser across Africa, warning that the development is already threatening agricultural productivity and food security on the continent.
The Federal Government attributed part of the crisis to disruptions linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which have affected global supply chains, energy prices, and the availability of key inputs required for fertiliser production and distribution.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made the remarks during engagements at the France–Africa Summit, where he held strategic meetings with development partners, including the International Fund for Agricultural Development, to explore coordinated responses to the growing food security challenge.
Kyari noted that rising input costs, particularly fertiliser, have placed additional pressure on farmers across Africa, especially smallholders who already struggle with limited access to financing, mechanisation, and modern agricultural inputs. He stressed that without urgent intervention, the situation could undermine ongoing efforts to boost food production and reduce dependence on food imports.
At the summit, discussions focused on strengthening agricultural resilience, improving access to affordable inputs, and scaling up investment in sustainable farming systems. Development partners also reviewed ongoing programmes aimed at supporting rural farmers, expanding irrigation infrastructure, and improving value chains across participating countries.
The minister further emphasised the need for stronger international cooperation to stabilise agricultural input markets, noting that fertiliser remains a critical driver of yield improvement and food system stability across Africa.
Stakeholders at the meetings reportedly explored new financing frameworks and emergency support mechanisms that could help cushion the impact of global supply shocks on African agriculture, particularly in countries most vulnerable to price volatility.
The engagements are expected to continue beyond the summit, with Nigeria pushing for deeper partnerships that would translate into practical support for farmers and long-term improvements in food security across the region.
