Indorama, a Nigerian chemical company, has announced a $261 million investment to expand its fertilizer production capacity with a fourth line in the country. The project is part of the company’s strategy to increase urea output, a key component in agricultural fertilizers. The investment underscores the growing importance of the fertilizer sector in Nigeria’s agricultural economy.

The new production line will be built in the country’s industrial hub, Lagos, and is expected to come online within the next two years. Urea remains a critical input for farmers, especially in the northern regions where soil fertility is a major challenge. Indorama’s expansion follows a series of similar investments in recent years, reflecting the company’s long-term commitment to the Nigerian market.

Nigeria has faced persistent challenges in food security, with many farmers relying on imported fertilizers due to limited domestic production. The government has been encouraging local manufacturing to reduce dependency on imports and boost agricultural productivity. Indorama’s new line is seen as a step toward achieving that goal. The company has already operated three production lines in the country, contributing significantly to local fertilizer supply.

The expansion comes amid rising global fertilizer prices, which have made it more expensive for Nigerian farmers to access essential nutrients for their crops. By increasing domestic production, Indorama aims to stabilize prices and ensure a more reliable supply for local farmers. The project also aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic strategy to promote self-sufficiency in key agricultural inputs.