Abuja: The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, says soil constitutes the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The minister stated this on Thursday in Abuja, at the 2025 World Soil Day celebration with the Global theme: ‘Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abdullahi said that soil supplied 95 per cent of the country’s food and provided 15 of the 18 essential elements required for plant growth. “Soil supports crop growth and livestock production, purifies water, regulates climate, sequesters carbon, mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, and offers habitat for beneficial microorganisms, thereby supporting ecosystem services and biodiversity,” he said. However, he noted that Nigeria’s soils are facing threats from degradation, erosion, and pollution, which affect crop yields, food quality, and food security.
The minister pointed out that 33 per cent of Nigeria’s soils are already degraded, and it might take up to 1,000 years to regenerate merely 2-3 cm of soil. He emphasized that the soil day event presented an opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for sustainable soil management practices. Abdullahi highlighted practices such as crop rotation, agroforestry, conservation agriculture, reduced tillage, organic amendments, and integrated nutrient management.
“Observing World Soil Day will enable us to educate the public, especially our esteemed farmers, about soil conservation and its advantages. It will also enable us to promote sustainable agricultural practices, support the ministry’s initiatives for soil health, encourage research, and advocate for policies that safeguard our soils,” he said. The ministry’s vision is to restore and uphold soil health, ensuring sustainable agriculture, food security, and enhanced livelihoods for all Nigerians.
The minister mentioned that in October, the ministry unveiled the Nigerian Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS) with nearly 600 farmers, dignitaries, and partners present. This initiative is seen as a crucial advancement towards the Renewed Hope Agenda for food security and sovereignty of President Bola Tinubu. Abdullahi urged collaboration to safeguard soils for future generations and prioritise soil health to guarantee food sovereignty and climate resilience.
In a goodwill message, Prof. Olumuyiwa Jayeoba, Vice President, Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS), noted that rapid urbanisation in Nigeria had increased pressure on the country’s soil resources through erosion and waste management. He highlighted the connection between the health of soil and the well-being of public spaces, food security, clean water infrastructure, and public health. Jayeoba reiterated NISS’s commitment to promoting responsible soil management.
Dr Alain Traore, Programme Director, Soil Values Programme, underscored the importance of healthy soils for healthy cities, emphasizing the challenges of land degradation, nutrient loss, erosion, and deforestation. Traore urged farmers to adopt improved practices and encouraged youth to see soil science and agribusiness as opportunities.