NMDPRA
Abayomi Susan
Nigeria is set to start exporting urea by 2028, according to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The country has been increasing its urea production capacity, with three operational plants – Notore, Indorama, and Dangote – collectively producing approximately 3.65 million metric tons in 2023. This marks a 6% increase from 2022, driven by improved gas supply.
The NMDPRA Chief Executive, Saidu Mohammed, announced that Nigeria would soon commence large-scale fertilizer exports, positioning the country as a major hub for value-added oil and gas products. This move is expected to boost the country’s economy and create new opportunities for farmers and exporters .
Nigeria’s urea production is driven by private sector investments, with companies like Dangote and Indorama leading the charge. Dangote Fertiliser, for instance, began commercial operations in 2022 and has already shipped 37% of its 3 million metric tonnes of urea production to the United States.
The country’s strategic location and abundant gas reserves make it an attractive hub for fertilizer production and export. With the global demand for fertilizers on the rise, Nigeria is poised to capitalize on this opportunity.
In 2023, Nigeria exported 242,661 metric tons of urea to other African countries, with Brazil being the top destination. The country’s urea exports are expected to increase significantly, driven by growing demand from countries like Morocco, Ghana, and Senegal.
The NMDPRA is working to create an enabling environment for operators to thrive and attract additional investments into the sector. This includes facilitating the development of midstream and downstream oil and gas facilities, such as refineries and petrochemical plants.
Nigeria’s fertilizer production is not only focused on export but also aims to support local farmers. The country has been blending locally produced urea with imported materials to produce NPK fertilizers, which are essential for crop growth.
