Nigerian farmers have raised alarm over the growing dominance of imported rice and maize in local markets, warning that the surge is undermining domestic production and threatening their livelihoods.
In a wave of reactions shared across social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), farmers voiced their displeasure, pointing fingers at federal government policies which they say have encouraged a flood of imports at the expense of homegrown produce.
Their concerns come in the wake of a noticeable drop in food prices across major Nigerian markets—a development attributed to the 150-day import duty waiver introduced by the Federal Government in July 2024. The waiver, which covers essential food items such as rice and maize, was initially designed to run from July to December 2024 but has continued to influence market dynamics into 2025.
A market survey conducted by DAILY POST revealed that a 50kg bag of local rice now sells for between ₦65,000 and ₦68,000, while the same quantity of imported rice is priced at about ₦83,000. Similarly, maize sells for ₦35,000 to ₦37,000 per bag. While this has offered temporary relief to consumers, local farmers argue that the price drop is eroding their profit margins and discouraging continued cultivation.
Adding to the challenge is a sharp increase in the price of fertilisers, which has driven up production costs and further strained local farmers already grappling with competitive pressure from foreign imports.
Reacting to the situation, Professor Godwin Oyedokun of Lead City University, Ibadan, told DAILY POST that the farmers’ concerns are legitimate and require urgent government attention.
“When government policies favour imports, it can create an oversupply in the market, which drives down prices and leaves local farmers at a disadvantage,” he explained.
Professor Oyedokun called on the federal government to initiate policy reforms that protect and empower local producers.
“To support sustainable local agriculture, Nigeria must consider reintroducing import tariffs on certain grains, offering subsidies to farmers, improving market access, and investing in modern farming techniques,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of quality control on imported products and called for greater stakeholder engagement, including consultations with farmers, to develop balanced policies that ensure food security while maintaining economic stability.
Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Statistics reported in June 2025 that headline inflation had dropped to 22.22 percent. However, food inflation remains stubbornly high at 21.97 percent, highlighting the complexities in Nigeria’s food economy.
As the debate continues, stakeholders warn that without decisive government intervention, Nigeria may face a deeper crisis in agricultural production—one that could compromise long-term food security and rural economic development.
Comments