In a statement, FEPSAN President, Mr. Thomas Etuh, said the move would stop the importation of poor quality NPK fertilizer blends into the country.

Etuh said that the ban would boost local capacity and protect the soil from toxic fertilizers imported into the country by unscrupulous businessmen.

He said the government had done the right thing because no economy that desired to grow would encourage the importation of what it could produce and at affordable prices.

“The only way the Federal Government can demonstrate its commitment to improve agricultural production and boost local capacity is by taking such strong purposive steps.

“The ban will position the entire agricultural value chain and allied industries to support the Nigerian economy while widening the already open opportunities for foreign exchange earnings.”

Etuh said the ban would save the country about 500 million dollars annually and create more jobs for Nigerians in the agro-allied sector.

He stressed that NPK fertilizer blended in the country were produced with specific soil composition in mind, which was not the case with most imported products which destroyed the soil and stunted the growth of crops.

“Fertiliser blending plants in Nigeria are growing and have demonstrated capacity to produce exactly what Nigerian farmers need to enrich Nigerian soil for improved food production.

Read more at... https://www.commodity-port.com/epsan-applauds-fg-for-banning-npk-fertilizer-importation/