The Nigerian government has stressed that strategic soil management is essential for sustainable food production, environmental quality, and agricultural resilience. Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, explained that soil is the backbone of the agricultural sector, providing 95 % of the nation’s food and supplying 15 of the 18 essential elements needed for plant growth.
Speaking at the 2025 World Soil Day event in Abuja, Senator Abdullahi highlighted soil’s vital functions: supporting crop growth, livestock production, water purification, climate regulation, and carbon sequestration. He affirmed the ministry’s commitment to restoring and maintaining soil health to ensure sustainable agriculture, food security, and improved livelihoods for all Nigerians.
To advance this agenda, the government has launched the Nigeria Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme, which delivers crop‑ and location‑specific fertilizer recommendations aimed at reducing pollution and production costs. The scheme also encourages organic amendments and regenerative agriculture practices to protect soil and water resources. In addition, the government plans to establish soil‑testing laboratories in all 774 local government areas, operated by youth and women agripreneurs.
The Minister also noted collaboration with development partners—including GIZ, Soil Values, AGRA, the World Bank’s ACReSAL Project, Sasakawa Africa, IITA, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation—to improve soil management, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and support the ministry’s soil‑health initiatives.
The Nigerian Institute of Soil Science (NISS) has pledged to promote evidence‑based soil management, ethical fertilizer use, urban agriculture, and the enforcement of the Soil Science Profession Act. Institute President Prof. Abubakar Musa Kundiri emphasized soil health’s role in achieving urban sustainability, echoing the 2025 World Soil Day theme, “Healthy Soils, Healthy Cities.”
These efforts are part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Food Security. With the Nigeria Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme now included in the federal budget, the government is taking concrete steps to reposition Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and rejuvenate degraded soils nationwide. Continued cooperation with local and international partners ensures that soil health will remain a central focus for sustainable food production and environmental quality.
Comments are closed for this story.