The Federal Government has unveiled a renewed nationwide campaign on soil testing and proper soil management, a strategic effort aimed at reversing declining agricultural productivity and strengthening the competitiveness of agro-MSMEs across the country.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said the initiative is essential to improving crop yields, enhancing food security, and equipping farmers, especially smallholders and agro-MSMEs, with the knowledge needed to manage their soils sustainably. He stressed that soil health must become a national priority as the country grapples with the effects of climate change, land degradation, and rising food prices.
Abdullahi described soil testing as a critical tool that guides fertilizer application, reduces input wastage, prevents environmental damage, and enables farmers to maximise productivity across Nigeria’s diverse agro-ecological zones.
Speaking at the commemoration of the 2025 World Soil Day, the minister highlighted that soil provides 95 per cent of the nation’s food and contains 15 of the 18 essential nutrients required for plant growth. Beyond agriculture, he noted that healthy soil helps regulate climate, purify water, sequester carbon, and support biodiversity.
He said the annual observance offers an important avenue to educate farmers on sustainable soil practices, encourage science-driven agriculture, and promote government policies designed to restore soil fertility nationwide.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Abdullahi announced that Nigeria is expanding the recently launched Nigeria Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS), which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s food security agenda. The scheme provides crop- and location-specific fertilizer recommendations, promotes organic soil amendments, and encourages regenerative agriculture to protect soil and water resources.
A key component of the initiative is the establishment of soil-testing laboratories in all 774 local government areas, to be operated by trained youth and women agripreneurs. According to the minister, 12 state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with modern diagnostic technology have already been installed across the six geopolitical zones.
He added that the government is working closely with development partners, including GIZ, Soil Values, AGRA, the World Bank’s ACReSAL Project, Sasakawa Africa, IITA, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. These collaborations are also linked to Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the Nairobi Declaration on African Fertilizer and Soil Health.
Operational progress under the scheme includes training of laboratory technicians and technologists in Oyo and Kano States, readiness assessments, and pilot soil analyses in 12 states. New laboratory equipment has also been deployed and fully installed across designated locations.
President of the Nigerian Institute of Soil Science (NISS), Prof. Abubakar Kundiri represented by Vice President Prof. Olumuyiwa James Jayeoba said the year’s theme, Healthy Soils, Healthy Cities, underscores soil health as a foundation for urban resilience, sustainable food systems, and environmental wellbeing. He reaffirmed NISS’ commitment to promoting evidence-based soil management and enforcing ethical fertilizer use nationwide.
For many farmers, the initiative could not be more timely. Abubakar Musa, a local farmer, called for a stronger presence of government-led campaigns in rural communities. He noted that many farmers lack basic knowledge of soil types and fertility conditions.
“We need serious education on soil testing and management,” he said. “Experts should visit local communities regularly. It shouldn’t be a one-time activity if we want food production to improve.”
With the rollout of expanded testing facilities, farmer training, and strengthened partnerships with research institutions, the Federal Government expects the new soil management drive to improve productivity, reduce production costs, and create a more resilient agricultural ecosystem, especially for agro-MSMEs at the heart of Nigeria’s food value chain.
