NADF moves to standardise fertiliser use, validates harmonised national manual

The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has commenced the validation of a Harmonised Fertiliser Application Manual, aimed at improving crop productivity, protecting soil health and promoting sustainable farming practices across Nigeria’s diverse agro-ecological zones.

Speaking at the National Stakeholders Workshop on the validation of the manual on February 3, 2026, in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, said the document was the outcome of months of technical collaboration and review by key stakeholders.

According to him, the workshop was convened to ensure the manual is practical and effective for end users.

Ibrahim emphasised the critical role of fertiliser in agricultural productivity, warning against improper application.

“Many of you will recall our pre-workshop on the ‘harmonised input application manual’ held in Abuja on the 23rd of June 2025. Since then, the technical working group, with support from research institutes and partners, has worked through several iterations to produce the draft manual before us today.

 “The purpose of today’s workshop is clear: to validate the manual, agree on the final technical positions, and ensure it is practical for farmers, extension workers, and other end users across our different agro-ecological zones,” he stated.

Speaking further, he noted that fertiliser is a major driver of productivity, but it only delivers value when it is applied correctly and responsibly.

“When guidance is inconsistent or fragmented, we lose efficiency, and we risk long-term damage to soil health,” he said, adding that a harmonised national manual would promote better yields, smarter input use, and more sustainable farming practices.”

He noted that the initiative aligns with NADF’s mandate, stressing that, “We are focused on impact, improving productivity, safeguarding soil health, and strengthening food security.”

Also speaking, the Director of Farm Inputs Support Services (FISS), Mr. Abana Waziri Abba, described the workshop as a critical step towards improving Nigeria’s agricultural outcomes.

He identified low soil fertility as a major constraint to agricultural productivity in the country.

Abba noted that fertiliser use has long been guided by blanket recommendations that fail to account for soil variability and farmers’ economic realities.

“In Nigeria today, low soil fertility is one of the main factors causing low agricultural productivity. Application of manures and fertilizers has the means of replenishing the nutrient-supplying capacity of soils,” he said.

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 “Blanket fertiliser application recommendations may lead farmers to over-fertilize in some areas and under-fertilize in others or apply an improper balance of nutrients for their soil or crop,” he explained.

He said the validation of the manual represents a shift towards precision agriculture.

“By validating this manual, we are ensuring that farmers apply the right nutrients at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place,” he said, adding that the goal is to move to “site-specific fertilizer recommendations that are scientifically sound, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable.”

Abba further noted that the exercise would help address micronutrient deficiencies in food. “The validation exercise to be carried out today is aimed at addressing the challenge of hidden hunger, lack of vitamins and minerals in food,” he said.

He underscored the link between soil health, nutrition and wellbeing, stating, “Healthy soils give rise to healthy plants which when consumed by humans, give rise to healthy life. So, the effort goes beyond food security but also nutrition security.”