How to Start an Organic Fertilizer Business in Nigeria

June 29, 2025

Every day, tons of food waste, animal droppings, and crop residues pile up across Nigerian markets and farms—most of it discarded as trash. But what if this “waste” could become black gold? As farmers battle declining soil fertility and the rising cost of chemical fertilizers, organic alternatives are gaining attention for being both affordable and eco-friendly. From compost to poultry manure blends, organic fertilizer is no longer just a backyard experiment—it’s a growing agribusiness. With Nigeria’s agricultural sector hungry for sustainable solutions, starting an organic fertilizer business now is not just smart—it’s urgent. This guide walks you through how to turn local waste into profit while helping farmers grow more, naturally.

Organic fertilizer and how it differs from chemical fertilizer

A chemical fertilizer is defined as any inorganic material of wholly or partially synthetic origin that is added to soil to sustain plant growth. Organic fertilizers are substances that are derived from the remains or byproducts of natural organisms which contain the essential nutrients for plant growth.

Organic Fertilizer	Chemical Fertilizer
Derived from natural sources	Manufactured from synthetic chemicals
Slow, long-term nutrient release	Rapid nutrient availability
Improves soil structure	May degrade soil over time
Eco-friendly and biodegradable	Can cause pollution if misused

Types or forms of Organic fertilisers

Dry Organic Fertilizer: As the name suggests, dry fertilizers are frequently incorporated into the soil. Both in-ground gardens and plants grown in containers can benefit from the usage of these organic fertilizers. Fertilizers in the dry organic matter category are typically applied to crops, transplants, and seedlings to promote long-term growth. They often aim to enhance soil structure.

Liquid Organic Fertilizer: These are clearly liquid organic fertilizers that are used as leaf feed or soil fertilizer. To aid in their greater absorption by the plant or soil structure in issue, they might also employ a particular kind of binding agent. To allow for root absorption, these fertilizers may be applied to the soil around the plant. Alternatively, they could be sprayed onto the leaves. After all, when vegetables are in season, foliar (leaf) treatments are very helpful.

Benefits of Organic Fertilizers

Enhances the Quality of the Soil: The fact that organic fertilizer creates natural, nutrient-rich soil and enhances soil structure and water retention is among its biggest advantages. The condition of the soil is one of the most crucial aspects to consider when gardening. Numerous organic compounds, frequently derived from animal products, make up good soil and can contribute to a healthy nutrient balance.

Reduced Effect on the Environment: Because organic fertilizers don't include any hazardous or synthetic chemicals or heavy metals that could be damaging to people, animals, or the environment overall, they help prevent water pollution.
It's crucial to make sure the fertilizer you're using doesn't accumulate in your soil in a harmful way. There is no risk of this occurring because organic fertilizers decompose over time and guarantee that nothing toxic enters our water system.

Cheaper than Artificial Fertilizer: The fact that handmade fertilizers like vermicast, compost, compost tea, and comfrey tea liquid fertilizer are less expensive than synthetic ones while yet offering the same advantages to plants is another reason why many people favor organic fertilizers. Using their own compost or composted manure organic fertilizer is more convenient for some gardeners than purchasing something else, which will merely cost more up front and provide minimal long-term advantages.

Why Nigeria is a Good Market for Organic Fertilizer

Growing Cost of Synthetic Fertilizers: Because of inflation and problems with the global supply chain, the cost of urea and NPK fertilizers in Nigeria increased by more than 50% between 2021 and 2023 . This has prompted farmers to look for less expensive substitutes, such as compost and fertilizers made from animals.

Government Support for Green Agriculture: Through initiatives like the Organic Agriculture Project at Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria (OAPTIN), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has encouraged organic farming and supported environmentally friendly methods and goods (FMARD, 2021).

Large Agricultural Base: Since more than 70% of Nigerians work in agriculture, there is a huge need for soil-enriching inputs like organic fertilizer, particularly from smallholder farmers searching for affordable options.

Increasing Urban trash Supply: Every year, Nigerian cities create more than 32 million tonnes of trash, most of which is organic and may be turned into compost or bio-fertilizer which is a goldmine of raw materials for manufacturers.

How to start Organic Fertilizer Business In Nigeria

1. Conduct Market Research

Understand local demand: identify your customers (smallholder farmers, urban gardeners, agro-dealers) and what they need. Analyze competitors, pricing, and product gaps. Make sure your product is free from heavy metals—farmers expect safe, effective fertilizers.

2. Develop a Solid Business Plan

Detail your production process, sourcing strategy, cost estimates, projected sales, and marketing approach. A clear, professional business plan is essential for attracting investors or grants.

3. Register and Obtain Licenses

Register your company with the CAC and secure oil-free product certification under the Fertilizer Control Order or FMARD. Environmental permits may also be required from state agriculture or pollution-control agencies.

4. Secure a Suitable Location

Choose land that’s free from chemical contamination, close to raw material sources (e.g., abattoirs, poultry farms), and accessible to markets. Ensure proper zoning and access to utilities

5. Source Raw Materials

Secure consistent feed-stocks: compost able waste, manure, crop residues, or sewage sludge—locally available and cost-effective

6. Set Up Your Production Facility

Build or rent a production site with space for mixing, composting/fermenting, drying, and packaging. Equip it with composting bins, interments, dryers, packaging machines, and lab tools for quality control .

7. Produce and Ensure Quality

Follow hygienic, standardized methods: mix materials (e.g., compost, manure), compost for the right duration, and use biodegradable packaging with clear labeling and instructions.

Remarkable Insight

Starting an organic fertilizer business in Nigeria is not only a smart investment—it’s a solution to some of the country’s biggest agricultural challenges. With abundant raw materials, increasing demand for sustainable farming, and government interest in green alternatives, the opportunities are vast. By combining waste management with soil restoration, entrepreneurs can support food security, protect the environment, and generate steady income. Success depends on proper training, quality control, and building trust with farmers. As Nigeria looks toward a more resilient agricultural future, organic fertilizer offers a pathway that’s both profitable and planet-friendly. Now is the time to turn waste into wealth.