The steps being taken by the Federal Government give promise that not only will there be more people taking interest in farming and growing food there will also be increase and a reduction in the cost of farm management. This optimism stems from the initiative of the government, which launched the Nigerian Farmers Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS). the scheme is an initiative designed to improve soil fertility, reduce fertiliser waste, and boost agricultural productivity nationwide. The programme was unveiled at the Presidential Villa in Abuja by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi Sabi. The minister described it as a flagship project under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Sabi said the scheme will revolutionise how Nigerian farmers manage their soils through scientific soil testing, tailored fertiliser recommendations, and data-driven agricultural practices. One major advantage this would bring for the farmer, according to the minister, is that it will eliminate the guesswork that has long reduced farm efficiency. Hear him: “Farming begins with the soil. For too long, our soils have given without rest. The Soil Health Scheme will help farmers understand what their soil truly needs, promoting smarter, more sustainable farming.” And to demonstrate the seriousness of the government to ensure a spread across the country, the minister said the laboratory will be at the grassroots.
So,he said that a major feature of the NFSHS is the creation of 774 soil testing laboratories — one in every local government area — to make soil analysis accessible to all farmers. Each farmer will receive a personalised Soil Health Card detailing fertility levels, soil pH, and specific crop-based fertiliser guidance.
The scheme also includes a digital data platform — the Nigeria Soil Information System (NiSIS) — to support evidence-based decision-making for both farmers and policymakers. The authorities are also confident that the scheme is being implemented through a public-private partnership model, which involves federal, state, and local authorities alongside international partners such as GIZ, the World Bank (ACReSAL Project), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, IITA, AGRA, and Soil Values.
What reinforces that confidence is that since its conception in 2023, the project has already achieved milestones including pilot soil tests in 11 states, development of the Soil Health Card, and integration into the ECOWAS Regional Fertiliser Hub.
According to Sabi, adopting soil-specific fertiliser use could double yields for major crops such as rice and maize, while cutting costs and curbing pollution.“By applying the right fertiliser in the right way, farmers can double productivity — from 60 bags of rice to 120 per hectare, and from 50 to 100 bags of maize. This is about prosperity, not just productivity,” he said.
The NFSHS aligns with the Nairobi Declaration on Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health (2024) and underscores Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate resilience.
“When a farmer understands their soil, they plan better, harvest better, and preserve the land for future generations. When we care for the soil, the soil cares for us,” Sabi concluded.
