Middle East Conflict May Drive Up Fertiliser and Food Prices in Nigeria

 

Fertiliser manufacturers in Nigeria have cautioned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could eventually lead to a rise in food prices.

They explained that although they are well-prepared for the coming planting season, the crisis may drive up the cost of fertilisers, which could increase farmers’ production expenses and impact food supply across the country.

The President of the Fertilisers Producers Association of Nigeria, Abubakar Kassim, disclosed in an interview with Saturday PUNCH that producers had already mapped out their production plans before the conflict started and currently have sufficient raw materials for fertiliser production.

He added that most members of the association had secured the required inputs to keep production running.

“We are preparing, not just because of the war, but because the planting season is approaching. Most of our members already have the raw materials needed for processing,” Kassim said.

However, he admitted that disruptions in the global market are already influencing fertiliser prices.

“Due to the global situation, prices have been affected, and this will, in turn, influence fertiliser costs,” he stated.

Kassim further revealed that fertiliser producers had assured the government of their ability to meet demand during the planting season, but warned that increasing prices could create more difficulties for farmers.

“Recently, the government asked about our level of preparedness. We told them we are ready. Our plans and investments for the season were made before the war began, so it won’t directly affect our production. However, our concern is that if the conflict continues, fertiliser prices may keep rising when the season starts. With the current challenges farmers already face, higher input costs will affect output. The question is whether farmers will still be able to afford it. We are ready to produce, and our plans were in place before the crisis,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has set up a committee to evaluate how the crisis may affect agriculture and to suggest ways to reduce its impact.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, also told Saturday PUNCH that the committee is headed by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and includes the Minister of Agriculture.

“There is a committee led by the Vice President to assess how to lessen the effects of the crisis. They are still working on suitable measures, and we expect their recommendations to be announced soon,” he said.

At the same time, stakeholders in the agricultural sector have called on the government to reintroduce fertiliser subsidies to support farmers and prevent a spike in food prices.

The Chairman of the Competitive African Rice Forum, Peter Dama, highlighted the importance of fertiliser in food production.

“Fertiliser is vital for farming. Without subsidies, farmers face serious difficulties, and the added costs are eventually transferred to consumers through higher food prices,” Dama said.

He pointed out that many countries support their farmers by subsidising agricultural inputs, especially fertiliser, and urged the government to revive Nigeria’s former subsidy scheme.

Dama also emphasised the need for timely distribution of fertiliser, noting that “fertiliser must be supplied at the right time. Delivering it after planting has little or no value. These are key issues the government needs to address.”

Fertiliser manufacturers in Nigeria have cautioned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could eventually lead to a rise in food prices.

They explained that although they are well-prepared for the coming planting season, the crisis may drive up the cost of fertilisers, which could increase farmers’ production expenses and impact food supply across the country.

The President of the Fertilisers Producers Association of Nigeria, Abubakar Kassim, disclosed in an interview with Saturday PUNCH that producers had already mapped out their production plans before the conflict started and currently have sufficient raw materials for fertiliser production.

He added that most members of the association had secured the required inputs to keep production running.

“We are preparing, not just because of the war, but because the planting season is approaching. Most of our members already have the raw materials needed for processing,” Kassim said.

However, he admitted that disruptions in the global market are already influencing fertiliser prices.

“Due to the global situation, prices have been affected, and this will, in turn, influence fertiliser costs,” he stated.

Kassim further revealed that fertiliser producers had assured the government of their ability to meet demand during the planting season, but warned that increasing prices could create more difficulties for farmers.

“Recently, the government asked about our level of preparedness. We told them we are ready. Our plans and investments for the season were made before the war began, so it won’t directly affect our production. However, our concern is that if the conflict continues, fertiliser prices may keep rising when the season starts. With the current challenges farmers already face, higher input costs will affect output. The question is whether farmers will still be able to afford it. We are ready to produce, and our plans were in place before the crisis,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has set up a committee to evaluate how the crisis may affect agriculture and to suggest ways to reduce its impact.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, also told Saturday PUNCH that the committee is headed by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and includes the Minister of Agriculture.

“There is a committee led by the Vice President to assess how to lessen the effects of the crisis. They are still working on suitable measures, and we expect their recommendations to be announced soon,” he said.

At the same time, stakeholders in the agricultural sector have called on the government to reintroduce fertiliser subsidies to support farmers and prevent a spike in food prices.

The Chairman of the Competitive African Rice Forum, Peter Dama, highlighted the importance of fertiliser in food production.

“Fertiliser is vital for farming. Without subsidies, farmers face serious difficulties, and the added costs are eventually transferred to consumers through higher food prices,” Dama said.

He pointed out that many countries support their farmers by subsidising agricultural inputs, especially fertiliser, and urged the government to revive Nigeria’s former subsidy scheme.

Dama also emphasised the need for timely distribution of fertiliser, noting that “fertiliser must be supplied at the right time. Delivering it after planting has little or no value. These are key issues the government needs to address.”