17/12/2025
Nigeria has officially kicked off activities to mark World Soil Day 2025, as the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Nigerian Institute of Soil Science, and the International Fertiliser Development Centre (IFDC) launched celebrations under the Soil Values programme, funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The initiative reinforces national efforts to strengthen sustainable agriculture through improved soil management and this year’s theme, “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities,” was celebrated with the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abdullahi Aliyu Sabi, in attendance alongside key stakeholders across Nigeria’s agricultural value chain. The event highlighted the growing connection between soil health, food systems, urban development, and environmental sustainability.
In his address titled “Soil as the Foundation for Food Sovereignty and Climate Resilience,” the minister stressed that soil health is central to Nigeria’s food security ambitions. He noted that soil provides about 95 percent of global food production and supplies 15 of the 18 essential nutrients needed for plant growth. Beyond food, healthy soil supports livestock farming, purifies water, regulates climate, captures carbon, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and sustains biodiversity through beneficial microorganisms.
At Umera Farms, we believe this focus on soil health is both timely and essential. Sustainable agriculture starts from the ground up. Investing in soil testing, responsible fertiliser use, climate-smart practices, and farmer education will not only boost yields but also protect ecosystems and livelihoods. Healthy soils mean resilient farms, stable food supplies, and a stronger future for Nigeria’s agriculture.
