The Ebonyi State Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited has been revived and returned to active production as part of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s administration’s drive to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, and support farmers across the state.
Agriculture remains a major pillar of Ebonyi’s economy, with thousands of residents depending on farming as their primary source of livelihood. Recognising this, Governor Nwifuru has placed agriculture among the key priorities of his administration, focusing on practical interventions that provide farmers with the necessary inputs to improve their output.
The government-owned fertiliser company, which operates under the Ministry of Agriculture, is now fully functional and producing fertiliser to meet the agricultural needs of Ebonyi farmers.
According to the Director-General of the company, Dr. Sunday Nwangele, the facility was revived with a clear mandate: to serve the people while maintaining operational sustainability.
“Our focus is service to the public and profitability, but not profit at the expense of the public,” he said, stressing that the company is committed to making quality fertiliser available in sufficient quantities and ensuring easy access for farmers and agro-dealers.
65,000 Farmers Targeted for Fertiliser Support
The scale of the intervention reflects the Governor’s commitment to agricultural development. The initial production target was designed to support about 15,000 farmers, but after assessing the agricultural potential of the state and the commitment of Ebonyi farmers, Governor Nwifuru increased the target to 65,000 beneficiaries.
The initiative is aimed at increasing farm yields, promoting food sufficiency, and positioning Ebonyi as a major agricultural producer capable of supplying markets beyond the state.
Facility Produces Up to 800 Bags of Fertiliser Per Hour
The revived fertiliser plant has significant production capacity, capable of producing between 35 and 40 metric tonnes of fertiliser per hour.
This translates to approximately 700 to 800 bags of fertiliser every hour. With an average daily production period of seven to eight hours, the facility can produce about 5,000 bags daily, ensuring that farmers have access to essential agricultural inputs.
Production of Multiple Fertiliser Blends
The company produces different fertiliser formulations designed to meet the needs of various crops and farming conditions.
The products include:
– 20-10-10: A general-purpose fertiliser suitable for various crops.
– 27-13-13: Designed for farmers requiring additional nutrient support, particularly in swamp areas.
– 12-12-17: Suitable for tuber crops such as yam, potato, and cassava.
– 15-15-15: A balanced fertiliser suitable for a wide range of agricultural activities.
The production process uses key raw materials including urea, diammonium phosphate (DAP), muriate of potash (MOP), and appropriate soil-friendly fillers.
Ensuring Transparency in Distribution
To promote accountability and prevent diversion, the company has introduced a colour-coded packaging system for its fertiliser products.
The white bags are produced for commercial sales through agro-dealers and open market channels, while the green bags are specifically designated for government-supported distribution to farmers.
Although both products maintain the same quality and quantity standards, the distinction makes it easier to monitor government intervention and ensure that intended beneficiaries receive the support.
Agro-Dealers Embrace Locally Produced Fertiliser
The revival of the company has also improved market confidence, with agro-dealers who were previously hesitant now embracing the products.
Dr. Nwangele noted that the company has recorded significant market penetration within the last month, with agro-dealers purchasing and distributing the fertiliser to farmers across the state.
The intervention reflects Governor Nwifuru’s broader vision of moving Ebonyi agriculture from subsistence farming to a more productive and sustainable sector.
The revival of the Ebonyi State Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited represents more than the restoration of a government facility. It demonstrates a commitment to using public assets to directly impact citizens — from fertiliser production to increased farm yields, improved food supply, and greater agricultural prosperity.
With the company now actively producing, Ebonyi is not only speaking about agricultural development but also taking practical steps to make agriculture work for its people.
