James Michael
Lagos — The Federal Government says Dangote Fertiliser Limited is crucial to the achievement of its Agricultural Transformation Agenda aimed at boosting food security in the country.
Construction of the fertiliser plant has been completed and the plant is set for commissioning in the next few months.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammad Sabo Nanono, who stated this during a facility tour of the plant in Lagos at the weekend, called on the company to assist the Federal Government’s agricultural mechanisation scheme as well as extension services for small-scale farmers.
According to him, Dangote’s support is needed for the success of the mechanisation scheme, which the minister said, is expected to cover 632 local government areas across the country.
“It is very clear that Dangote, in one way or the other, will help in this programme by the Federal Government.” he said.
Nanono said Aliko Dangote’s investment in fertiliser production will contribute to improved farm yields and agricultural productivity, which are critical to Nigeria’s long-term food security.
The Minister commended Dangote for keying into the Federal Government’s Presidential Initiative on fertiliser aimed at bringing down the cost of fertilisers across the country. “The capacity of Dangote Fertiliser is enough to change the way fertiliser is being used in this country. We are going to complement his efforts and support him in this regard. The challenge of the supply of fertiliser is going to be solved by the Dangote Fertiliser plant. I can now go home and sleep,” he said.
Dangote Fertilizer plant ready for commissioning – Nanono
According to him, the Federal Government wants to make sure that Nigerians have enough food to eat. “We can only achieve the objective with enough fertiliser in the country. I am extremely proud of Aliko Dangote for what he is doing in this country. I think no other person has probably done half of what he is doing in the area of investment. If we can have just additional two of his type, this country will be completely different,” he stated.
Providing an update on the fertiliser project, Group Executive Director, Strategy, Capital Projects & Portfolio Development, Dangote Industries Limited, Chief Devakumar Edwin, said that Dangote Fertiliser Limited has a well-equipped fertiliser soil testing laboratory to ensure efficiency of the product for farmers.
He explained: “The laboratory will enable us analyse and identify a particular soil deficiency. Applying the right fertiliser to soil will enable it yield maximum result. The goal of our soil testing is to provide an accurate assessment of the soil’s fertility to make fertiliser recommendations. A proper soil test will help ensure the application of enough fertiliser to meet the requirements of the crop while taking advantage of the nutrients already present in the soil,” he said.
Edwin said that Dangote Fertiliser will make Nigeria become self-sufficient in fertiliser production and have the capacity to export the products to other African countries.
