OCP AFRICA : Nigerian Stakeholders Chart New Path To Strengthen Presidential Fertilizer Initiative

Food security and sovereignty for Nigeria and Africa took center stage during a high-level visit by a delegation of Nigerian stakeholders to OCP Africa. The delegation, which comprised key representatives from the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MoFI), Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), and the Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN), was led by the Managing Director of MoFI, Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang (PhD).

The group was warmly received by the management team of OCP Africa, led by its Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Mohamed Hettiti, at the company’s headquarters in Casablanca, Morocco.

The discussions focused on strengthening the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) to ensure continued sustainability and alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s food security and food sovereignty agenda. With the improvements in PFI 1.0 and PFI 2.0 serving as a foundation, the parties explored strategic innovations for PFI 3.0, which aims to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural sector by enhancing the entire value chain.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian delegation, Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang expressed the country’s commitment to achieving food security and sovereignty through collaborative efforts with key industry stakeholders such as OCP Africa. He highlighted the critical role of innovation and technology in addressing agricultural challenges, stating:
“For Nigeria to attain food sovereignty, we must invest in innovative platforms that integrate advanced agricultural practices, ensure fertilizer availability, and empower farmers. The PFI has demonstrated that public-private partnerships can deliver transformative results. PFI 3.0 is an opportunity to build on these successes by leveraging modernized logistics solutions and capacity-building initiatives for smallholder farmers. Together with OCP Africa, we are laying a foundation that guarantees food security and agricultural prosperity for millions of Nigerians.”

Dr. Takang further emphasized the Tinubu administration’s strategic focus on agriculture as a critical driver of economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development. He underscored that partnerships such as the one with OCP Africa will be instrumental in translating these ambitions into tangible outcomes for Nigeria and the wider African continent.

Echoing these sentiments, Mr Mohamed Hettiti, Chief Operating Officer of OCP Africa, reiterated the company’s unwavering dedication to supporting agricultural development in Nigeria and across Africa. He commended the Nigerian government’s leadership in driving food security initiatives. He stressed the success of PFI thus far and the significance of fostering collaborations that benefit farmers and stakeholders at all levels.

“At OCP Africa, our mission has always been to empower farmers and contribute to the sustainable transformation of African agriculture. We are proud to work with the Nigerian government and stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that address the unique challenges of the agricultural sector. PFI 3.0 will be a game-changer, introducing cutting-edge technologies, sustainable farming practices, and value chain improvements to ensure resilience, productivity, and long-term impact.”

Hettiti also highlighted OCP Africa’s ongoing investments in capacity building, research, and partnerships with local organizations: “We understand that achieving food sovereignty requires a collective effort. We remain committed to forging strong partnerships with government bodies, private entities, and the farming community. Together, we can create a future where every farmer can access the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to thrive.”

Additionally, the Executive Secretary of NADF, Mr. Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, emphasized the Fund’s commitment to offer concessionary funding aimed at reducing fertilizer prices. Alhaji Sadiq Ibrahim, the President of FEPSAN reiterated the commitment of the association and all its members to support the food security initiatives of the President Tinubu administration by offering quality fertilizers to all farmers in Nigeria. In his words, “Our association understands the importance of providing high-quality fertilizer blends, and we will not fail our nation, and the government that have over the years supported us to get to where we are today”.

Iruansi Itoandon of the NSIA emphasized that all stakeholders must work together and deliver on the government’s mandates to achieve food security and food sovereignty. While remaining very proud of the achievements of PFI 1.0 and PFI 2.0. He was highly optimistic that the platform already built would help all stakeholders to achieve an improved PFI 3.0.

As part of the discussions, the delegation explored strategies for integrating innovative approaches, including digital tools for monitoring fertilizer distribution, enhancing logistics, and improving soil health through sustainable practices. The anticipated rollout of PFI 3.0 is expected to deliver significant benefits to Nigerian farmers, including increased access to quality fertilizers, enhanced productivity, and reduced post-harvest losses.

This collaboration underscores the commitment of both OCP Africa and Nigerian stakeholders to addressing Africa’s agricultural challenges and unlocking the full potential of the continent’s agricultural sector.