Local farmers in Nigeria have raised alarm over the dominance of imported rice and maize in markets, warning that the federal government’s import waiver policy is undermining domestic grain production and pushing them out of business.
The outcry comes amid a drop in the prices of rice and maize nationwide, which farmers attribute to the surplus of foreign products. A survey by DAILY POST shows local rice currently sells for between ₦65,000 and ₦68,000 per 50kg bag, while imported rice sells at about ₦83,000. Maize prices have also dropped to between ₦35,000 and ₦37,000 per bag.
The Federal Government’s 150-day duty-free import window, introduced in July 2024 for staple foods including rice and maize, was intended to combat food inflation. Nigeria Customs Service Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi confirmed that the policy led to a decline in food prices.
However, local farmers say the move has slashed their profit margins, threatening the sustainability of domestic food production. They argue that the market is now flooded with cheaper imports, discouraging investment in local farming.
Further compounding their woes is a surge in fertilizer prices, which has increased production costs and made it even harder for local growers to remain competitive.
Reacting to the situation, Professor Godwin Oyedokun of Lead City University, Ibadan, described the farmers’ concerns as legitimate. He explained that excessive importation causes oversupply, lowers prices, and hampers the competitiveness of local produce.
“To address these issues, the government should engage directly with farmers to understand their challenges,” Oyedokun advised. He proposed several solutions, including introducing tariffs on imports, offering production subsidies, improving market access, and investing in farmer training and agricultural technology.
“Ultimately, a balanced approach that supports both consumer needs and the viability of local agriculture is essential for long-term food security and economic stability,” he said.
According to DAILY POST, while Nigeria’s headline inflation declined to 22.22% in June 2025, food inflation remained high at 21.97%.
