NASENI’s Fertilizer Plants to End Import Dependence, Enhance Food Security, Reduce Emissions – Says Dr Tanko‎

By Emmanuel Kwada 

In a major boost to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is nearing completion of groundbreaking coal-based and liquid fertilizer production plants in Kano State.

‎Dr. Yahaya Tanko, Technical Assistant to NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO Khalil Suleiman Halilu on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has highlighted the projects’ potential to eliminate reliance on imported fertilizers, strengthen national food security, and contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions through localized production.

‎The initiatives, executed in partnership with Whitefog Environmental Services Limited and Indonesia’s PT Saputra Global Harvest via a bilateral technology transfer agreement, position Nigeria at the forefront of innovative agricultural inputs.

‎The flagship coal-based fertilizer plant along Wudil Road—touted as Africa’s first of its kind—incorporates advanced processing techniques enriched with 26 mineral concentrates and activation technology.

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Dr. Tanko described the project as an innovative and eco-friendly alternative that aims to restore degraded soils, enhance microbial activity, improve nutrient retention, and dramatically increase crop yields.

“Production is slated to begin by May or June 2026.Under Halilu’s forward-thinking guidance, these landmark projects promise to revolutionize farming inputs, drive industrial self-reliance, and deliver tangible impact across the nation’s agri-food sector.

‎“Complementing this is a dedicated liquid fertilizer facility, jointly developed by NASENI and Whitefog, offering customized, efficient nutrient solutions tailored to Nigeria’s diverse and often challenging soil profiles,” he said.

‎Dr. Tanko noted that these developments align seamlessly with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

‎Central to SDG 2: Zero Hunger, the projects tackle Nigeria’s persistent challenges of low productivity, soil nutrient depletion, and vulnerability to food insecurity, Dr. Tanko said.

‎By providing affordable, locally produced fertilizers, they support Target 2.3—doubling agricultural productivity and incomes for small-scale producers—and Target 2.4, promoting resilient, sustainable food systems.

Enhanced soil fertility and higher yields will help mitigate the impacts of drought, erosion, and erratic weather—crucial in a nation where agriculture sustains over 70% of the rural population yet struggles with import-driven cost volatility.

‎The economic ripple effects strongly advance SDG 1: No Poverty. Officials project approximately 2,000 direct jobs in plant construction, operations, maintenance, and technical roles, with over 20 million indirect opportunities spanning the agricultural value chain—including farming, input distribution, processing, logistics, and marketing.

In rural Kano and beyond, where poverty and youth unemployment rates remain elevated, these employment prospects foster inclusive growth, boost household incomes, and break poverty cycles (Targets 1.1 and 1.2). Affordable fertilizers will lower production costs for smallholders, enabling higher earnings and greater economic stability.

‎On SDG 13: Climate Action, the shift to domestic manufacturing promises meaningful mitigation benefits. Eliminating long-haul imports of fertilizers reduces transport-related carbon emissions, a significant factor in global supply chains, he said.

‎“Improved soil health from the enriched coal-based product enhances carbon sequestration, water retention, and resilience to climate extremes like prolonged dry spells—directly supporting Target 13.1 on strengthening adaptive capacity.

‎“While coal-derived processes necessitate rigorous environmental safeguards to minimize potential emissions or byproducts, NASENI emphasizes the plants’ ‘eco-friendly’ design and overall sustainability focus, ensuring net positive contributions to climate goals,” he added.

‎Dr. Tanko underscored that these efforts dovetail with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security, marking a decisive move toward self-reliance in critical agricultural inputs.

‎“With construction at an advanced stage—including factories, warehouses, labs, and administrative facilities—machinery installation is imminent, signaling rapid progress. This is the way of our Executive Vice Chairman: no delay, no excuses. This project will be delivered soon,” he said.

‎“The Kano fertilizer plants exemplify integrated progress: combating hunger while alleviating poverty and advancing climate-resilient development. As Nigeria intensifies its pursuit of the 2030 Agenda, this initiative not only promises abundant harvests and empowered farmers but also charts a path to sustainable prosperity amid global uncertainties,” Dr. Tanko concluded.

Read Also: NASENI’s UniAbuja Agri-Incubation Centre in Line with SDGs’ Zero Hunger, No Poverty Mantra – Dr Tanko