The federal government has launched a nationwide readiness assessment under the Nigerian Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme. This initiative aims to map soil conditions across the country, guide agricultural spending, and ultimately improve farm productivity.
Developed in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and other partners, the program was unveiled in Abuja. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, stated that the assessment will generate crucial data to support food security efforts and align Nigeria’s agricultural sector with climate commitments.
The program will map soil degradation nationwide, establish 774 soil testing laboratories, and deploy a Nigeria Soil Information System. This system will provide farmers with soil health cards and crop-specific fertilizer recommendations.
Abdullahi explained that the exercise will equip federal, state, and local governments with data to guide resource allocation. He noted that prolonged nutrient depletion, erosion, and climate stress have weakened farmlands, impacting yields and threatening national food security.
The scheme will also assess the capacity of laboratories, extension services, and private operators to handle soil testing for up to two million farms annually. Furthermore, it plans to integrate soil data with financial systems to improve farmers’ access to credit and insurance.
This initiative supports Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions and agricultural policy frameworks, including efforts to promote climate-smart farming practices. Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, highlighted that the assessment will establish a data-driven approach to managing soil health and agricultural productivity.
The government also plans to deploy mobile soil testing services, train extension agents, and replace generic fertilizer use with site-specific recommendations. Plans are also in place to collaborate with state governments through Soil Health Compacts, outlining funding and implementation commitments. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has expressed support for the program, recognizing its potential to strengthen agricultural output and food systems in Nigeria.
