Senator Abubakar Kyari Calls for Urgent Regional Action to boost Fertilizer Supply and Food Security in West Africa
Oru Leonard
West Africa is at a critical juncture that demands unity, urgency, and collective resolve. Speaking at the Extraordinary Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted the increasing strain on fertilizer supply chains and the growing threat to food security across the region.
According to Amb. Musa Muhammed Tsoken, the National Coordinator, Asiwaju Again 2027, Renewed Hope Initiative , and National President, APC Initiative for Good Governance (APC-IGG), Kyari noted that the challenges—driven by global crises, supply disruptions, and rising oil prices—continue to exert immense pressure on farmers abd national economies. According to the Minister, the scale and complexity of the situation make it clear that no single country can effectively address these issues in isolation.
In his remarks, Senator Kyari emphasized the need for a bold and coordinated regional strategy that reflects shared priorities and mutual interests. He called for strengthened cooperation among ECOWAS member states, stressing that enhanced partnerships—particularly with leading fertilizer producers such as Morocco—are essential to stabilizing supply across the region.
The Minister further advocated for innovative solutions, including pooled procurement and collective bargaining mechanisms. These approaches, he explained, would enable member states to secure more competitive pricing, reduce exposure to global market volatility, and ensure a more reliable and sustainable fertilizer supply chain.
Highlighting Nigeria’s strategic position as one of the region’s leading fertilizer producers, Senator Kyari urged local manufacturers and stakeholders within the agricultural value chain to prioritize regional distribution. He stressed the importance of ensuring that neighboring countries have timely access to affordable agricultural inputs, especially as the planting season approaches.
He also underscored the critical role of strengthening intra-African trade in enhancing agricultural productivity and building resilience across West Africa and the Sahel.
The Minister’s message was clear: food security is a shared responsibility that requires decisive and unified action. Governments, regional institutions, and private sector actors must work collaboratively to implement sustainable solutions that protect livelihoods and ensure long-term stability.
As the region faces mounting challenges, the time for dialogue has passed. What is now required is bold implementation, strengthened regional solidarity, and a firm commitment to securing the future of agriculture and food systems for millions of people.
