Nigeria Farmers Face Fertiliser Price Hike Amid Crisis

Farmers in Nigeria have been cautioned about a potential increase in fertiliser prices, attributed to the ongoing crises in the Middle East, which are disrupting the global market for raw materials. Abubakar Kassim, the president of the Fertiliser Producers Association of Nigeria, indicated that manufacturers have already made plans for the planting season despite the conflict.

He noted that while local sources of nitrogen are available, global disruptions are influencing fertiliser prices. The government has established a committee, chaired by Ezeaja Ikemefuna, to evaluate the impact of the Middle East crisis on the agricultural sector and recommend measures to mitigate its effects.

Peter Dama, chairman of the Competitive African Rice Forum, emphasized the critical role of fertiliser in food production and urged the government to reintroduce fertiliser subsidies to alleviate the burden on farmers. The committee aims to address the challenges faced by farmers, particularly concerning the timely delivery of fertiliser during the planting season.