By Danjuma Amodu | February 3, 2026
Nigeria has taken a significant step towards standardising fertiliser use across the country with the validation of a Harmonised Input Fertiliser Application Manual.
The manual, developed by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) in collaboration with the Farm Inputs Support Services (FISS) Department, aims to provide a practical guide for farmers and extension workers on the correct and responsible use of fertilisers.
The validation workshop, attended by stakeholders from various sectors, marked a major milestone in the country’s efforts to improve agricultural productivity and soil health. Executive Secretary of NADF, Mr Mohammed A. Ibrahim, emphasised the importance of the manual, saying it would ensure that farmers apply the right nutrients at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place.
Director of Farm Inputs Support Services, Mr Abana Waziri Abba, noted that the harmonised manual represents a shift towards precision agriculture, addressing the country’s diverse soils and farming conditions. He warned that blanket fertiliser recommendations had failed to reflect Nigeria’s diverse soils and farming conditions, leading to over-fertilisation in some areas and under-fertilisation in others.
The President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mr Muhammad Magaji, welcomed the initiative, saying it would bring clarity to fertiliser use at farm level.
“For too long, farmers have received different fertiliser advice from different sources,” he said.
“A harmonised manual like this will reduce confusion and help farmers make better decisions.” He added
Technical sessions featured contributions from soil scientists, agronomists, and academics, who stressed the importance of site-specific recommendations and effective extension delivery.
The workshop concluded with a call for final technical inputs and a clear pathway for national adoption, as NADF signalled its readiness to support the transition of the manual from policy document to everyday farm practice.
The harmonised manual aligns with NADF’s mandate to promote evidence-based interventions that improve productivity, safeguard soils, and strengthen food security. With this development, Nigeria is poised to take a significant leap forward in its quest for agricultural transformation and food security.
The NADF plans to roll out the Harmonised Input Fertiliser Application Manual nationwide, with plans to train extension workers and farmers on its use. The manual is expected to be a key tool in promoting precision agriculture and improving crop yields.
According to Mr Ibrahim, the NADF will work closely with state governments, agricultural institutions, and development partners to ensure the successful implementation of the manual.
“We are committed to supporting farmers and ensuring that they have access to the right information and resources to improve their productivity,” he said.
The harmonised manual is also expected to contribute to the country’s efforts to improve soil health and reduce environmental degradation. By promoting the use of fertilisers in a responsible and sustainable manner, Nigeria aims to achieve its goal of increasing agricultural productivity while protecting the environment.
The validation of the manual has been welcomed by various stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural experts, and development partners. They have expressed their commitment to supporting the government in the implementation of the manual and promoting its use among farmers.
The NADF’s initiative is seen as a significant step towards achieving Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda, which aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve food security, and increase the country’s agricultural productivity.
