The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has partnered with the International Soil Reference Information Centre (ISRIC) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to implement a data-driven approach that matches crops with suitable soil types, enhances fertiliser efficiency, and promotes precision agriculture across the country.
Speaking at the Nigeria Soil Information System Development Workshop in Abuja, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said the initiative has been designed to provide farmers with real-time soil data that can improve yields and reduce production costs.
“Soil is the foundation of agriculture. We must take ownership of our soil and the data it produces; it is the basis for national food security and sovereignty,” he stated.
The minister explained that the new system will promote location- and crop-specific fertiliser blends, improving efficiency throughout the agricultural value chain.
He added that clearer soil information will attract private sector participation in fertiliser production and increase returns for farmers.
Abdullahi noted that the project will also guide investment into high-potential value chains and regions, reducing risks for agribusinesses and encouraging growth in rural economies.
He stressed that the effort aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of a transformed food system built on “Eat what we produce and produce what we eat.”
As part of the long-term plan, the government intends to establish fully functional soil testing laboratories in all 774 local government areas to help farmers access timely information to improve soil health.
Dr Bernard Vanlauwe, Deputy Director-General of IITA’s Regional Hub in Ibadan, stated that the organisation will use advanced technologies to strengthen the Nigerian Soil Information System (NiSIS) and ensure alignment with regional standards.
Dr Chrow Krushid, Project Manager for Soil Information Systems at ISRIC, said Nigeria remains a priority country within the West African hub and will receive technical support to develop digital soil maps that guide policy and future investment decisions.
Source: Authority NG
