Tag presidential fertiliser initiative
The Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) is a program launched by the Nigerian government in 2016 to increase the production of fertilizers in the country. The initiative was launched by President Muhammadu Buhari with the aim of reducing the country's reliance on imported fertilizers and increasing agricultural productivity.
The PFI is a public-private partnership between the Nigerian government and private sector companies, including Dangote Group, Indorama Eleme Fertilizer & Chemicals Limited, and others. The initiative involves the construction of new fertilizer plants and the rehabilitation of existing ones to increase the country's fertilizer production capacity.
The objectives of the PFI include:
- To increase the production of fertilizers in Nigeria to reduce the country's reliance on imported fertilizers.
- To improve agricultural productivity and increase food security in the country.
- To create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the agricultural sector.
- To reduce the cost of fertilizers for farmers and increase their access to affordable and quality fertilizers.
The PFI has achieved significant milestones since its launch, including:
- The construction of new fertilizer plants with a combined capacity of 2.2 million metric tons per annum.
- The rehabilitation of existing fertilizer plants to increase their capacity.
- The creation of over 10,000 jobs in the fertilizer industry.
- The reduction of the cost of fertilizers for farmers by over 50%.
- The increase in agricultural productivity and food security in the country.
However, the PFI has also faced some challenges, including:
- Delays in the construction of new fertilizer plants and the rehabilitation of existing ones.
- High costs of production and transportation of fertilizers.
- Limited access to credit facilities for farmers to purchase fertilizers.
- Inadequate infrastructure and logistics to support the distribution of fertilizers to farmers.
Overall, the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative has the potential to transform the agricultural sector in Nigeria and increase the country's food security. However, it requires sustained support and investment to overcome the challenges it faces.