The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve soil health, fertilizer efficiency and farm productivity in Nigeria.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, the Director-General of IITA, Dr Simeon Ehui, said the MoU supports the Nigeria Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme and the development of a national soil information system.
Ehui explained that the agreement builds on ongoing initiatives that promote precise soil testing and crop-specific fertilizer recommendations, aimed at achieving sustainable intensification and climate-resilient farming across the country.
According to him, the MoU addresses persistent soil fertility challenges and fertilizer inefficiencies through data-driven tools, modern technology and regional expertise, expanding the soil health scheme launched on Oct. 14.
He said implementation would be carried out through the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel, hosted by IITA.
“The Regional Hub is designed to serve as the technical backbone for soil health management and fertilizer use in West Africa and the Sahel,” Ehui said.
He added that Nigeria’s soil health initiative elevates soil management from a purely technical issue to a national political priority.
Ehui noted that the initiative would stimulate demand for digital soil maps, fertilizer recommendations and improved laboratory standards across the region.
Describing Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy and a major food producer, he said the partnership would deepen collaboration between IITA and the agriculture ministry to tackle soil fertility challenges using advanced technologies and evidence-based decision-making.
Ehui said the MoU underscored Nigeria’s commitment to institutionalizing soil health as a national priority linked to food security, climate resilience and sustainable productivity.
Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said healthy soil was fundamental to improved productivity and nutritious food systems.
Kyari assured that the ministry would ensure full implementation of the MoU in line with agreed timelines.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, said the MoU formalized collaboration between both institutions and facilitated joint studies and due diligence.
Abdullahi said the agreement focuses on strengthening land management and climate services, building national capacity, and promoting a collaboration model that could be replicated across the ECOWAS region.
He noted that soil health forms the foundation of agriculture, which employs more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s workforce and contributes significantly to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
However, Abdullahi warned that Nigeria’s soils face serious threats from nutrient depletion, erosion and climate change, which endanger food security, livelihoods and economic growth.
He said the partnership with IITA marked a critical step toward addressing these challenges through science-based and sustainable solutions.
According to him, the MoU represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable agriculture and food security.
Abdullahi added that IITA’s expertise in tropical agriculture and soil science would be vital to advancing the initiative.
“Together, we will equip farmers with the knowledge and resources to optimist fertilizer use, improve soil health and boost productivity,” he said.
