FG rolls out first national soil policy, eyes climate-resilient agriculture

The federal government has commenced the validation of Nigeria’s first National Agricultural Land and Soil Management Policy (NALSMP), with plans to use ward-level soil data to improve crop yields, reduce production costs and strengthen food security.

The policy, expected to be finalised within the next six to eight months, will also guide efforts to improve climate resilience and ensure more efficient use of agricultural inputs across the country.

Speaking at the opening of a three-day National Consultation Stakeholders’ Workshop in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said the initiative comes as Nigeria grapples with a food security emergency, rising farming costs and increasing climate-related challenges.

“Nigeria’s food system faces significant challenges. The population is increasing, input costs are escalating, and climate-related disruptions are becoming more frequent. Central to these issues is our soil,” the minister said.

He stressed that healthy soils are essential to reducing food prices and improving resilience against droughts and floods.

“Healthy soil is key to lowering food prices and making our farms more resilient to droughts and floods. Without intentional measures, the advancements we achieve in seeds, mechanisation and financing will be compromised,” Abdullahi said.

The minister disclosed that the policy would validate practical soil management measures for farmers, clarify the responsibilities of the federal, state and local governments in land and soil governance, integrate soil health into climate adaptation under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, and attract private investment in soil restoration through incentives for soil testing, organic fertilisers and digital advisory services.

He said data generated through the Nigeria Soil Information System (NiSIS) and the Nigeria Farmers Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS) would enable farmers to receive location-specific recommendations on soil pH, organic matter and fertiliser application at the local government and ward levels.