The Federal Government has begun evaluating a mineral-based agricultural technology that could improve crop yields, complement fertiliser use and enhance agricultural productivity across Nigeria.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, reviewed a presentation on Ekolive, a mineral-based agricultural input developed to complement conventional fertilisers and improve crop performance.
The presentation was delivered to the Minister and other Nigerian officials during a technical session on the sidelines of international engagements in Rome. Discussions focused on the technology’s effectiveness, its suitability for Nigerian farming systems and the possibility of conducting locally validated trials.
During the session, the Ekolive team presented results from trials conducted in Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria, reporting improved yields in crops such as rice, cucumber, okra and millet, which contribute to Nigeria’s food supply.
The company explained that the technology is designed to complement existing fertiliser applications rather than replace them entirely. The approach could help farmers maximise the benefits of fertiliser use while improving soil efficiency and crop performance.
In response, the Minister and Nigerian officials stressed the importance of rigorous scientific testing under the country’s diverse soil, climatic and cropping conditions. They also emphasised the need for appropriate safety assessments and regulatory approval before the product could be considered for commercial use.
Kyari noted that Nigeria’s diverse agro-ecological zones make local testing essential to establishing the effectiveness and suitability of new agricultural inputs. He stressed that any proposed technology must undergo scientific validation and receive approval from relevant regulatory authorities to safeguard farmers, consumers and the environment.
The meeting also explored possible collaboration with Nigerian research institutions and farmer clusters to facilitate local trials. Vegetable production was identified as a potential area of focus, given the possibility of observing crop responses within relatively short growing periods.
As a next step, Ekolive is expected to submit its product dossier, trial reports, composition details and safety data to the Ministry and relevant agencies for assessment.
Officials explained that any decision on wider deployment would depend on independent scientific validation, compliance with regulatory requirements and further evaluation of proposed partnership arrangements.
The initiative reflects the Federal Government’s continued interest in exploring agricultural innovations that could improve productivity, reduce production costs and strengthen food security, while ensuring that new technologies are proven safe, effective and affordable for Nigerian farmers.
