Fertilizer Price Scandal: Insiders Allege Sabotage, Massive Procurement Inflation

 

Fresh controversy is rocking Nigeria’s agricultural sector as insider from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security ( FMAFS) has raised an alarm over a deliberate inflation of fertilizer procurement cost within the system.

At the heart of the unfolding scandal are claims that efforts to reform procurement, and cut costs are being actively resisted by powerful interests within the system who are benefitting from the inflated prices. A source who spoke under anonymity, described a system where transparency is often met with hostility.

“Trying to fix the system comes at a cost,” the official said. “Those pushing for efficiency end up clashing with those who profit from the waste"

Shocking prices discrepancy has intensified concerns. According to our source, NPK fertilizer procured at the project costs between ₦40,000 and ₦52,000 per unit was eventually recorded as N200k.

“When the gap is this wide, it’s no longer efficiency, it raises serious questions about intentional inflation and vested interests,” the source added.

This revelation pointed to a systemic leakage  draining millions of naira from public resources thereby undermining government efforts to support farmers through subsidy programmes.

Industry observers also noted that Nigeria’s fertilizer distribution system has long been plagued by irregularities, despite repeated reforms aimed at eliminating middlemen and improving accountability. These latest allegations suggest that internal resistance continues to frustrate progress within the ministry.

Stakeholders are now calling for urgent scrutiny, including independent audits and stronger oversight mechanisms. Analysts warn that without transparency in procurement process, such discrepancy will persist ultimately harming farmers and threatening national food security.