Lagos, Nigeria – June 12, 2025 – In a dazzling display of Nigeria’s industrial might, Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has announced that Nigeria is now exporting an impressive 37% of its fertilizers to the United States. This remarkable achievement, unveiled at a recent industry event, showcases the transformative power of local innovation and bold investment, with the Dangote Fertiliser Plant leading the charge.
Nestled in the heart of Lekki, Lagos, the $2.5 billion Dangote Fertiliser Plant is a beacon of progress, producing 3 million metric tons of urea annually and ranking as the world’s second-largest urea producer. Since its commissioning in March 2022, the plant has turned Nigeria from a fertilizer importer into a global supplier, sending shiploads of high-quality urea to the U.S., Brazil, India, and beyond. “We’ve gone from dependency to dominance,” Dangote declared, his words resonating with national pride. “Our fertilizers are now feeding farms across America.”
This success story is nothing short of inspiring. The plant’s ability to export roughly 1.11 million metric tons of urea to the U.S. alone highlights Nigeria’s growing influence in global agriculture. As the world grapples with fertilizer shortages, sparked by disruptions like the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Nigeria has stepped up, meeting global demand with unmatched efficiency. The Dangote plant has made Nigeria Africa’s top urea producer, with surplus production fueling exports and boosting the nation’s economy.
The ripple effects are felt at home too. The plant employs thousands of Nigerians, powers local communities, and symbolizes a new era of self-reliance. “Seeing our fertilizer reach America makes me proud,” said Aisha, a Lagos market trader. “It shows Nigeria can compete with the best.” Even as some farmers in 2022 voiced concerns over domestic price hikes—when urea prices jumped from N5,500 to N18,000 per bag due to export demand—the broader impact is undeniable. Nigeria is no longer just feeding itself; it’s helping feed the world.
Dangote’s vision has drawn global attention, with buyers from Europe, Asia, and the Americas clamoring for Nigeria’s urea. While the exact 37% figure awaits detailed trade data, the plant’s export achievements are well-documented, with ships bound for the U.S. spotted as early as April 2022. For Nigerians, this is a moment to celebrate—a testament to what’s possible when ambition meets opportunity. As Dangote’s fertilizers cultivate fields across the globe, Nigeria’s star continues to rise, proving that the nation’s potential is limitless.
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