The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has announced that the construction of its coal and liquid fertilizer plants in Kano State was nearing completion, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive to strengthen food security and transform the agricultural sector.
In a statement signed by Olusegun Ayeoyenikan for NASENI, the Agency said that the pioneering coal fertilizer project was being executed in partnership with Whitefog Environmental Services Limited and Indonesia’s PT Saputra Global Harvest under a bilateral technology transfer agreement.
The collaboration represents a strategic effort by the Federal Government, through NASENI, to deploy innovative and eco-friendly solutions to address declining soil quality and low agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
The statement also disclosed that NASENI and Whitefog were jointly developing a liquid fertilizer production facility, aimed at providing farmers with alternatives to conventional NPK fertilizers, which have often failed to deliver optimal yields due to Nigeria’s complex soil conditions.
The projects align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-point Agenda on food security and are consistent with key Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Speaking during an inspection tour of the coal fertilizer facility, Agava Abdullahi Abdulrasheed, Acting Coordinating Director of the Engineering Infrastructure Directorate at NASENI Headquarters and Coordinator of the NASENI-Whitefog project, expressed satisfaction with the level of work completed.
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He said the facility, which includes a large production factory, warehouses, laboratories, and administrative buildings, would have a far-reaching impact on Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
According to him, the coal fertilizer, an innovative product enriched with 26 additional mineral concentrates and supported by activation technology, will significantly improve soil quality and fertility, enhance crop yields, and ensure better harvests for farmers across the country.
“The project will have a profound impact on Nigeria’s agricultural sector, ensuring improved soil quality and fertility, increased crop yields and better harvests for farmers,” Abdulrasheed said
Hassan Inuwa Babura, chairman of Whitefog Environmental Services Limited, confirmed that construction work at the permanent project site along Wudil Road in Kano has advanced substantially. He disclosed that critical machinery for the plant is already en route to Nigeria and awaiting clearance at the seaport.
“On the issue of the coal fertilizer, we have a permanent site along Wudil Road which and construction has already gone far. We have machinery which is on the way, about to be cleared at the seaport and would be installed. Production will commence by May or June 2026,” he said.
He noted that the project is designed to meet national demand while reducing dependence on imported fertilizers.
NASENI stated that beyond boosting agricultural productivity, the coal and liquid fertilizer projects are expected to generate about 2,000 direct jobs and more than 20 million indirect jobs across the agricultural value chain. The Agency added that the initiative would stimulate economic growth, empower farmers, and improve livelihoods nationwide.
