Farmers Cry Out as Substandard Fertilisers Destroy Crops in Nigeria

News in brief:

-Farmers across Nigeria report losses from fake fertilisers that reduce yields, weaken soil fertility, and increase vulnerability to pests and diseases, worsening the country’s food security challenges.

-Experts call for government subsidies, stricter regulation of fertiliser distribution, and farmer training to stop the spread of counterfeit products and strengthen agricultural development in Nigeria.

Across Nigeria, farmers are raising the alarm over a silent crisis; fake and substandard fertilisers are flooding the market. While fertiliser is supposed to boost soil fertility and increase yields, counterfeit products are doing the opposite, destroying crops, depleting soil health, and pushing hardworking farmers deeper into poverty. Experts warn that if this menace continues unchecked, Nigeria’s dream of food security will remain out of reach.

Farmers Count Losses

At Lagos State University (LASU) Gate Farm, veteran farmer Ibrahim Usman, with over 20 years of experience, shared his frustrations. He explained how fertilisers distributed through government cooperatives often fail to nourish crops, sometimes even burning them.

“The government provides fake fertilisers and chemicals, which don’t work effectively,” Usman lamented. “There are no loans or training support to help us, so we are left on our own. Many of us are sinking into debt.”

Another farmer, Omotayo Omoniyi, described how limited funds force smallholders to buy fertilisers in small quantities from dealers, leaving them vulnerable to substandard products. The result, he said, is poor plant health and massive financial losses.

Health and Environmental Risks

Agricultural experts have linked counterfeit fertilisers to multiple problems: stunted crop growth, reduced yields, and declining soil fertility. Poor-quality inputs also make crops more vulnerable to pests and diseases, which drives up the cost of farming while lowering returns.

Worse still, unsafe chemicals can contaminate food crops, posing long-term risks to human health and the environment. For a country already struggling with the effects of climate change and farming challenges, this adds a dangerous layer of insecurity.

A Mixed Reality for Farmers

Not all farmers face the same experience. Abdullah Abdul Rahman admitted that while he is aware of the prevalence of fake fertilisers, he has not personally been affected. He explained that in Lagos State, fertiliser distribution is more organised, with bulk supplies broken into smaller portions for farmers and market sales.

Still, Rahman acknowledged that experienced farmers can tell the difference between genuine fertilisers like NPK and the weaker, substandard ones. But for new or resource-poor farmers, detecting the difference is often impossible.

Experts Call for Urgent Action

Agricultural specialists say the fake fertiliser crisis is undermining Nigeria’s farming sector and widening the gap between potential and productivity. According to them, solving this problem will require more than complaints from farmers; it will demand coordinated government and private sector action.

They recommend:

• Subsidising fertiliser production companies so genuine products are more affordable.
• Investigating and regulating cooperative distribution channels to block the flow of fake inputs.
• Training programmes for farmers on how to identify and use authentic products.

As one expert put it, “Nigeria cannot achieve food security while its farmers are fighting fake inputs. Genuine fertilisers are the foundation of sustainable agriculture.”

The Way Forward

Fertiliser is to farming what oxygen is to life; without the right quality, crops cannot thrive. For Nigeria to achieve its agricultural development goals, counterfeit products must be rooted out. Empowering farmers with the right inputs, knowledge, and market support is not just about growing crops; it’s about feeding the nation, protecting public health, and safeguarding livelihoods.

Until then, the voices of farmers like Usman and Omoniyi will remain a reminder that food security begins with trust in the soil and the products we put into it.