Industry leaders and agricultural experts have intensified calls for stronger government backing to accelerate the $1.5 billion Akwa Ibom Fertiliser Complex, describing it as a project critical to Nigeria’s food security, job creation, and economic diversification.

The project, planned for Ikot Abasi in Akwa Ibom State, is a joint venture between the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and OCP Africa, a subsidiary of Morocco’s OCP Group. 

It is designed to leverage Nigeria’s natural gas reserves alongside Morocco’s phosphate resources to produce ammonia, Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), and NPK fertilisers.

Experts say the plant will reduce Nigeria’s reliance on fertiliser imports, conserve foreign exchange, and help farmers access affordable, high-quality fertilisers tailored to local soil needs. 

About 60–70 per cent of the ammonia will be exported to Morocco, while the rest will be used domestically to support Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Director-General of the African Centre for Supply Chain, Dr Obiora Madu, said the project was a “cornerstone” for Nigeria’s agricultural and economic transformation. 

He noted that the collaboration represents a model for continent-wide cooperation, positioning Nigeria as a regional powerhouse in fertiliser production.

Similarly, Dr Innocent Okuku, Director-General of the Pan-African Fertiliser Industry Association (PAFIA), stressed that the complex will boost fertiliser availability, stabilise prices, and raise yields for farmers. 

He argued that such investments are vital for food security, job creation, and strengthening Nigeria’s role in global agriculture.

Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno pledged to partner with NSIA and OCP Africa to advance the project. 

He inaugurated a state-led team, including top officials from AKICORP and the Ministry of Agriculture, to work directly with investors to accelerate development.

NSIA’s Managing Director, Aminu Umar-Sadiq, confirmed that the project would generate about 500 direct jobs and up to 20,000 indirect jobs through construction, logistics, distribution, and agro-dealer networks. 

He added that the project forms part of a broader partnership with OCP Africa, including coconut refinery expansion and greenhouse utilisation in the state.

Source: The Nation News

Image Credit: Akwa Ibom State Govt