The Federal Government has announced that Nigeria loses approximately 24 million tonnes of topsoil each year due to erosion and land degradation, warning that this trend poses a serious threat to food security and climate resilience.
Minister Highlights Soil Crisis
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during the launch of the Global Project – SoilMatters. He emphasized that healthy soil is vital for water retention, drought resistance, and carbon sequestration, and that restoring soil organic matter is essential amid increasing climate shocks.
“Soil is not merely the dirt beneath our feet; it is the cornerstone of our food security, economy and climate resilience,” Abdullahi stated. “Over 70 per cent of Nigerians depend on agriculture, yet the country continues to lose approximately 24 million tonnes of topsoil yearly due to erosion and degradation. A nation that destroys its soil destroys itself. Nigeria will not be that nation.”
He noted that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the government aims to boost productivity, feed over 220 million Nigerians, create jobs, and position Nigeria as a net food exporter. However, he stressed that these targets cannot be achieved without restoring soil health. The minister urged state governments to domesticate the national soil policy and called on stakeholders to prioritize soil as a national asset.
Permanent Secretary Calls for Investment
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, stated that agricultural transformation will remain elusive without sustained investment in soil management.
Germany Commits $2.2 Million
Meanwhile, the German government has committed $2.2 million to improving soil health in Nigeria. The initiative aims to strengthen data systems, promote evidence-based decision-making, and provide practical advisory tools for farmers.
The Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy, Johannes Lehne, speaking at the project launch in Abuja, said the initiative comes at a critical time as soil degradation continues to challenge agricultural productivity, farmer livelihoods, and climate resilience. She noted that addressing the challenge requires increasing investment, improving coordination, strengthening partnerships, and better use of data.
Lehne explained that the SoilMatters initiative represents a new model of cooperation, bringing together government institutions, research bodies, the private sector, and international partners in a collective effort to achieve sustainable soil management. The project will lay a solid foundation for sustainable soil management in the country by strengthening data systems, promoting evidence-based decision-making, and providing practical advisory tools to farmers.
