Lagos: The International Fertiliser Development Centre (IFDC) through its Soil Values programme funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has launched activities for Nigeria’s 2025 World Soil Day with key agricultural institutions. This year’s theme, ‘Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities,’ drew the Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Abdullahi Sabi, alongside farmers, researchers, partners and other stakeholders.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Minister emphasized that soil health is crucial for food sovereignty and climate resilience, noting that soil is fundamental for global food production and provides essential nutrients for plant growth. He highlighted the role of soils in purifying water, regulating climate, storing carbon, reducing emissions, and supporting biodiversity. These functions make soils central to Nigeria’s food systems and environmental stability.
The Minister warned of the challenges Nigeria faces regarding soil degradation, erosion, and pollution, which impact yields, food quality, and long-term food security. He noted that 33 per cent of Nigeria’s soils are degraded and regenerating a few centimeters of soil can take almost a thousand years. World Soil Day aims to raise awareness among the public and farmers about soil conservation and sustainable practices, as well as to enhance research and policies that protect national soil health.
He also mentioned the Nigerian Soil Health Scheme for Farmers, launched on October 13, 2025, which offers location-specific fertilizer guidance and discourages indiscriminate application. The scheme supports organic amendments, sustainable land management, and technologies that improve soil health across Nigeria’s various agroecological zones. The Minister acknowledged partners such as the German Agency for International Cooperation, OCP Africa, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, and Sasakawa Africa for their support.
Programme Director, Dr. Alain Sy Traor©, emphasized the 2025 sub-theme’s focus on the economic and climate significance of healthier soils for national and regional food sovereignty. Deputy Programme Director, Dr. Alimata Boundaogou, urged for enhanced farmer resilience, improved seeds, and greater gender inclusion for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
The second day of activities included an awareness march with farmers, students, and partners advocating for stronger soil protection actions. Students participated in debates on restoring soil value and promoting environmentally responsible agricultural practices among young Nigerians.
The Soil Values programme addresses challenges in the Sahel, such as droughts, conflict, desertification, and climate risks, which exacerbate soil degradation and harm rural livelihoods. It aims to improve fertility on two million hectares and enhance the resilience of 1.5 million farmers, focusing particularly on women and youth. The programme promotes Integrated Soil Fertility Management and participatory landscape approaches, supporting the adoption of soil-enhancing technologies.
Its strategy integrates Agroecology, Inclusive Markets, and Enabling Environment pathways, backed by Clustering, Facilitation, and Documentation pillars. Soil Values is implemented by the IFDC in collaboration with SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and Wageningen University and Research Centre. Knowledge partners include the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, ISRIC-World Soil Information, and the International Water Management Institute. IFDC operates in 27 countries, providing sustainable, productivity-enhancing technologies to smallholder farmers through research and field interventions.