Nigerian Farmers Protest Rice and Maize Import Policy Amid Falling Food Prices

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Overview:

A wave of dissatisfaction is sweeping across Nigeria’s agricultural sector as local farmers voice deep frustration over the federal government’s growing support for food imports—especially rice and maize. This comes after a significant dip in market prices for these staples, largely due to import waivers that have flooded local markets with foreign grains.

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Farmers Cry Out Over Import Surge

Across social media and agricultural forums, many Nigerian farmers have openly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy, which they say is undermining local grain cultivation. Using platforms like X (formerly Twitter), they argue that the administration’s decision to approve mass food imports—particularly of rice and maize—is threatening the survival of indigenous agriculture.

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What’s Causing the Price Drop?

The decline in rice and maize prices across Nigeria is no accident. The root cause, according to local producers, is the 150-day import duty waiver introduced by the federal government in July 2024. This policy allowed for the duty-free import of essential staples including rice, maize, and other food items, leading to a surge in foreign alternatives and a drastic drop in prices.

According to Nigeria Customs Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, this policy significantly contributed to price reductions in the first quarter of 2025.

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Market Realities: Local vs. Foreign Prices

A market survey conducted by LMSINT MEDIA revealed the following:

• A 50kg bag of local rice now sells for ₦65,000–₦68,000.
• A bag of maize goes for ₦35,000–₦37,000.
• Meanwhile, imported rice can cost as much as ₦83,000 per bag.

This pricing gap makes it almost impossible for local farmers to compete, thereby shrinking their profit margins and pushing many to consider abandoning cultivation altogether.

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Rising Fertilizer Costs Deepen the Crisis

The farmers’ woes don’t stop at imports. Many are also grappling with a sharp rise in fertilizer prices, which has increased the cost of production. This means even with reduced earnings from their harvests, they are paying more to produce.

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Expert Opinion: Prof. Oyedokun Warns of Policy Fallout

Speaking with LMSINT MEDIA, Prof. Godwin Oyedokun of Lead City University, Ibadan, stressed that the growing preference for imports over local production has severe long-term consequences.

“Favorable import policies result in market oversupply, driving down prices and severely affecting local farmers who cannot compete,” he explained.

Oyedokun emphasized that ignoring these concerns could derail the nation’s food security and economic stability. He recommended a multi-step approach:

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Solutions for Sustainable Local Agriculture

✅ Incentivize Local Farming

The government must provide financial support, credit access, and agricultural technology to encourage local grain production.

✅ Implement Import Tariffs

Introducing or increasing tariffs on imported rice and maize could help local producers gain a competitive edge.

✅ Quality Assurance

Enforcing strict quality standards on imports would increase consumer confidence in Nigerian-grown grains.

✅ Enhance Market Access

Farmers should be given better access to structured markets where they can sell at fair prices.

✅ Farmer Training and Education

Equip local farmers with modern farming techniques to boost productivity and reduce dependence on imports.

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What This Means for Nigeria’s Economy

While the policy may offer short-term relief in food prices for consumers, its long-term impact on local agriculture could be devastating. A balanced approach is necessary—one that considers both consumer affordability and the sustainability of domestic food production.

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Inflation Report: Mixed Signals

Despite the dip in general inflation, food-related inflation remains a concern. According to recent data from LMSINT MEDIA in June 2025:

• Headline inflation dropped to 22.22%
• Food inflation, however, rose slightly to 21.97%

This contradiction highlights the instability of food pricing and the urgent need for sound agricultural policies.

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Conclusion: Farmers Need a Voice in Policy-Making

Nigerian farmers are not just resisting change—they are fighting for survival. If the government continues to sideline local producers in favor of foreign imports, the nation could face serious agricultural and economic setbacks. Policymakers must engage directly with stakeholders in the farming community to co-create solutions that ensure both affordability for consumers and profitability for local producers.