The Federal Government has revealed that it is working towards paving way for a private sector-led fertiliser industry, in order to expand the value chain. The government said that it would totally hand over the administration of the industry, and would only play a regulatory role. This was disclosed by the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Sabo Nanono, recently. Nanono explained that the industry’s control has been a contentious issue in the last 30 to 40 years, hence the need to be pragmatic in handling its affairs. This, he said, has led to the consideration to allow for a private sector-driven system, while the government concerns itself with quality control, price, delivery and availability.

The minister had previously projected that Nigeria would stop fertiliser importation by 2023, noting that the country was making giant strides in that direction, with the private sector as a key factor. Nanono said the efforts were a testament to the fact that the industry’s operation could be left in the hands of the private sector.Agro Nigeria