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OCP Africa Championing Agricultural Revolution Through Customised Fertilizer Blends

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By Segun Olabode, Lagos

For Long, Nigerian farmers have been faced with several impediments to obtaining optimal value from their farmlands, ranging from low access to quality inputs, problematic soilssoils, and inadequate training on good agricultural practices; these challenges if not resolved will pose a threat to the nation’s food system.

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In addressing the nation’s food security challenges, there is need to discontinue the use of generic fertilizer blends for all soil and crop types. There is no better time than now to introduce soil and crop specific fertilizers. The adoption of specialty fertilizers to address specific crop nutrition needs is an emerging trend in global agriculture practice due to different soil nutrient compositions. OCP Africa, a world leader in phosphate and its derivatives, believes that efficient use of specialty fertilizer is one of the best ways to increase farmers’ productivity and ensure food security.

To provide customized fertilizers in the Nigeria agricultural space, OCP Africa has taken the initiative by pioneering the research & development and production of crop and soil specific blends of fertilizer by establishing ultra-modern fertilizer blending plants in three states across Nigeria (Kaduna, Ogun and Sokoto).

Each of the three ultra-modern blending plants tagged “Centre of Excellence” comprises of a Blending facility capable of composing 5 macro and 5 micro-nutrient elements, a Fertilizer and Soil testing laboratory, a Retail outlet for agricultural products and services called the “Farm and Fortune Hub” and a Model Farm. The blending plants have a combined production capacity of 500,000MT per year. In line with the National Fertilizer Quality Control Act signed by President Muhammadu Buhari in year 2020, OCP Africa has deployed a state-of-the-art laboratory within the blending plant facilities to further ensure quality of its products meets nutrient specification.

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Caleb Usoh, the Country Manager and Deputy Managing Director OCP Africa Nigeria disclosed that Ogun and Sokoto plants will commence production by 4th quarter of 2022 while the Kaduna plant which has been completed at the cost of $13.4 million commenced production in March 2022 and is slated for official commissioning by August 2022. The plant currently operates on a Toll Blending partnership arrangement that allows industry players and brand owners to leverage on OCP Africa’s plant capacity and expertise to provide quality fertilizers to their customers. The Kaduna plant currently engages over 250 persons in different job function all to foster a sustainable agricultural ecosystem in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Stakeholders In Agric Business Seek Better Support For Vegetable Farmers

He also added that to further boost local production of fertilizers and enhance export capacity of Nigeria, OCP Africa is investing in a Joint Venture with the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to develop an Ammonia and DAP Industrial plant. The $1.4 billion Industrial Plant project, to be cited in Akwa-Ibom is expected to utilize Nigerian gas and Moroccan phosphate to produce 750,000MT of ammonia and 1,000,000MT of phosphate fertilizers annually by 2025.

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With the Nigerian consumption of NPK fertilizer blends projected to exceed 4,500,000 MT by the year 2030, OCP Africa is supporting the projected demand with massive investments in fertilizer production, R&D, distribution channel support, farmer-centric initiatives, among others with a view to actualizing the Nigeria vision of ensuring self-sufficiency in food production.

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‘We Like Greek Gifts,’ Nigerians Blast NUPENG Over Dangote’s Fuel Price Reduction

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The decision of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to warn Nigerians against accepting Dangote Refinery’s recent fuel price reduction has drawn heavy backlash on social media, with many citizens mocking the union and embracing what they described as “much-needed relief.”

Dangote had announced lower petrol pump prices in several states alongside a new scheme to deploy compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks directly to filling stations, a move expected to reduce logistics costs.

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But NUPENG dismissed the offer as a “Greek gift,” alleging that the refinery was undermining workers’ rights, sidelining the union, and pushing drivers into a rival association.

However, netizens have lambasted the union, querying that during hard times, NUPENG has never supported the masses.

On X (formerly Twitter), Nigerians quickly turned NUPENG’s warning into a trending topic, using humour and sarcasm to lampoon the union.

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READ ALSO:NUPENG Accuses Dangote Of Breaching Agreement, Says Nationwide Strike Inevitable

Oloye Somorin Osifeso (@OloyeSomorin) wrote: “We like Greek gifts in my garage.”

Just Jude (@JustJude) asked bluntly: “Is it your deception?”

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Oladele (@Oladele) quipped: “As Dangote Refinery dey offer Nigerians Greek gift, why can’t NUPENG too offer Nigerians French gift?”

Agbalaka (@Agbalaka) queried: “Can they tell Nigerians what exactly they are fighting about?”

CBN Gov Akinsola (@Akinsola) joked: “Then give us Trojan gift now 😆. Man do man. Man no go vex.”

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Omobalaji (@Omobalaji) teased: “NUPENG, oya surprise us with Arabian gifts.”

READ ALSO:Union Gloves vs Corporate Fists: The Dangote–NUPENG Showdown

Habdulakeem Bahdmus (@BahdmusHabdulakeem) added: “If Dangote is showering Nigerians with Greek gift, NUPENG can also set up a Roman gift now.”

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Femi Yekinni (@FemiYekinni) steered it back to reality: “We thank them for their advice. Now, @DangoteGroup pls how do we schedule deliveries to Badagry?”

Curtis Abbi (@CurtisAbbi) slammed the union: “Nigerians will manage the Greek gift. @officialNUPENG9, what gift have you given Nigerians in your entire years of existence? NUPENG should offer Nigerians their own Somalian gift 🤣.”

Akin Adejola (@AkinAdejola) echoed the sentiment: “LOL. I can bet Nigerians don’t mind the gift. NUPENG should gift Nigerians same ‘Greek gift’ too if they have any goodwill. NUPENG is the enemy of progress in the oil & gas sector.”

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READ ALSO:NUPENG Tanker Drivers Announce Strike Over CNG Trucks Dispute

Adeola Akinwande (@adeolarewaju9) criticised union leaders: “Does NUPENG remember Nigerians at hard times? They have all failed Nigerians the same way the @NLCHeadquarters has failed. They are living big on unionism and cashing out big time. Without unionism, some of their excos are nobody. They should stop the crocodile tears.”

Okunwa U. U. Azikiwe (@OkunwaUUazikiwe) argued: “Competition has created jealousy by the previous monopoly in the sale of fuel. They have lost control, and it is paining them that they are no longer in control. SMH!!!”

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Solihull Abdulkareem (@SolihullAbdul) chipped in: “NUPENG or whatever, do you want the market to be monopoly? You’ve been doing what you want for many years. It’s time for change, just accept it and move forward.”

Temidayo (@Temidayo) asked: “It’s a lie. What benefits has your union provided for Nigerians? Middlemen syndrome has been room for corruption. Your association should go and buy shares in Dangote and work together to make Nigeria great.”

And LegalTech Sam Akanbi (@SamAkanbi) summed up: “Nigerians no longer want your Nigerian gift, we want the Greek gift. If you have a better offer, we’d abandon Dangote’s Greek gift and take yours. But for now, let the Greek gift go round.”

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READ ALSO:NUPENG Mobilises Tanker Drivers, Petrol Attendants, Others For October 3 Strike

Recall that NUPENG earlier alleged that Dangote Refinery was forcing truck drivers to abandon its union for a rival group, the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA).

The union also accused Dangote of undermining collective bargaining rights and violating a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed under government supervision.

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Dangote, however, denies the claims, insisting that union membership remains voluntary and that its delivery scheme is designed to cut costs and ease supply.

The federal government has intervened, with the Ministry of Labour and the Department of State Services mediating between both parties.

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Dangote Refinery Reduces Fuel Price Nationwide, Provides Update On Petrol Distribution

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Dangote Refinery has reduced its premium motor spirit retail price nationwide.

This is as it announced Monday, September 15, 2025, as the new date to begin the direct petrol distribution initiative.

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The initiative, which Dangote Group had earlier announced would kick off on August 15, 2025, would see the $20 billion plant distribute petrol and diesel to consumers with its 4,000 compressed natural gas trucks at zero logistics cost.

The 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery said its new gantry price is N820 per litre, the same price announced last month.

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The company, which is currently in a face-off with the Nigerian Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), disclosed this in a fresh price template released by Dangote Group on its X account.

With the new price template, in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti, Dangote Refinery’s petrol retail price stands at N841 from N860 per litre.

In Abuja, Edo, Delta, Rivers and Kwara states, the largest African refinery’s retail price is N851, down from N885 per litre.

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This means that Dangote Refinery will deliver its petrol directly to willing consumers in Lagos and the South-west states at a reduced retail price of N19, while in Abuja, North Central, and the South-South, it will be a N34 reduction.

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It stressed that the new price template and direct fuel distribution scheme are expected to take effect on Monday, September 15, 2025.

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Meanwhile, the Dangote Refinery price template is not binding on petroleum marketers and retailers except MRS and its other distribution partners, according to DAILY POST.

NUPENG on Thursday announced that it may return to strike against Dangote Group, alleging that the company reneged on its recent resolutions.

However, Dangote Group said it respects the voluntary membership of unions by its workers.

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FG Gives Criteria For Opening Bank Accounts

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From January 1, 2026, all Nigerians and non-residents will be required to obtain a Tax Identification Number, Tax ID, to open or operate bank accounts.

The development followed the enactment of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, recently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

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Section 8(2) of the Act makes the Tax ID compulsory for banking, insurance, stock broking, and other financial services. It also extends the requirement to contracts with federal and state governments.

READ ALSO:FirstBank’s Digital Banking Channels Suffers Downtime

For non-residents, Section 6(1) mandates registration for tax purposes, requiring them to obtain a Tax ID if they supply taxable goods and services or derive income from Nigeria.

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To enforce compliance, Section 7(3) empowers tax authorities to assign a Tax ID to individuals or entities who fail to register. The Act also allows for suspension or deregistration of a Tax ID if a business ceases operations temporarily or permanently, provided tax authorities are notified within 30 days.

The legislation is aimed at expanding Nigeria’s tax net and boosting revenue collection. Analysts say the policy could significantly improve tax compliance rates nationwide.

Financial institutions are expected to adjust their systems and processes ahead of the January 2026 rollout.

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