The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving soil fertility, increasing crop yields, and promoting sustainable, climate-resilient, and regenerative agricultural practices across the country.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the official unveiling of the Nigerian Farmers Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS).
Abdullahi described the initiative as a pioneering effort by the ministry to enhance soil health and fertility through scientific assessments and data-driven fertilizer recommendations.
He said the scheme aligns fully with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of achieving food sovereignty and transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector to guarantee national food security.
“The Nigerian Farmers Soil Health Scheme is designed to help farmers understand their soil better — what nutrients it has, what it lacks, and how best to treat it,” the minister said.
He explained that the programme aims to boost crop yields, support climate-resilient agriculture, and promote climate-smart and regenerative farming systems.
According to him, the key deliverables of the NFSHS include the establishment of 774 soil testing laboratories across Nigeria’s local government areas and the issuance of personalized soil health cards to farmers.
He added that a digital platform will also be developed to consolidate soil data and facilitate informed decision-making for both farmers and policymakers.
Abdullahi said the benefits of the scheme include improved fertilizer use efficiency, reduced waste, and lower environmental pollution.
“I want to emphasize that soil health is fundamental to agricultural resilience. Healthy soils supply essential nutrients for plant growth, regulate water, support biodiversity, and aid in climate change mitigation,” he said.
The minister noted that the ministry is implementing innovative strategies to build a resilient and thriving agricultural sector that will drive economic growth and ensure a prosperous future for all Nigerians.
“Let this be the beginning of a new season — one where every Nigerian farmer works with knowledge, power, and peace of mind for a renewed hope.
Together, we are taking a significant stride toward a food-secure future,” Abdullahi said.
In his remarks, Rep. Bello Kaoje, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Production and Services, described the scheme as a strategic step toward addressing the root causes of Nigeria’s food security challenges.
“Healthy soil means higher yields, better nutrition, and greater resilience to climate change. The National Assembly will ensure this scheme is implemented with transparency, efficiency, and tangible benefits for our farmers,” Kaoje said.
