Farmers Lament Influx of Imported Grains as Tinubu’s Policy Threatens Local Agriculture
Nigerian farmers have raised alarm over the growing influx of imported rice and maize, saying it is driving down prices and threatening the survival of local producers.
In separate posts on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), several farmers accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of undermining local food production through the importation of cheap foreign grains.
Rice and Maize Prices Drop Amid Import Surge
According to a recent market survey by TheWatchNG, the average price of a 50kg bag of locally produced rice now ranges between ₦65,000 and ₦68,000, while locally produced maize sells between ₦35,000 and ₦37,000 per bag. In contrast, imported rice is being sold at ₦83,000 per bag in some markets.
This shift in price dynamics follows the Federal Government’s 150-day duty-free import waiver introduced in July 2024, covering rice, maize, and other essential food items. The policy was aimed at reducing food inflation, but has triggered a wave of concerns among local producers.
The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, recently confirmed that the policy had successfully led to a drop in prices of some food items in the first quarter of 2025.
Farmers Say Policy is Crippling Domestic Agriculture
Local rice and maize farmers have expressed deep frustration, warning that their profit margins have been severely eroded. Many now fear that continued importation could lead to the collapse of domestic grain production.
“This policy is killing us,” one rice farmer posted on X. “We can’t compete with the cheap imports, and fertiliser prices are rising. How do we survive?”
Fertiliser Prices Compound the Crisis
The crisis is being worsened by a surge in fertiliser costs, which has pushed up the cost of local food production. Farmers argue that without subsidies or support from the government, cultivating rice and maize is becoming economically unviable.
Expert Analysis: Tinubu’s Import Waiver May Harm Local Economy
In an interview with TheWatch.NG, Professor Godwin Oyedokun of Lead City University, Ibadan, said the government’s current import policy is unsustainable and poses a serious threat to local agriculture.
“When government policies favour imports, it can lead to oversupply, driving prices down. Local farmers simply can’t compete,” Oyedokun explained.
Recommendations for a Balanced Policy Approach
Professor Oyedokun advised the Nigerian government to take urgent action to protect local farmers while still addressing food affordability. He outlined a set of key recommendations:
1. Support for Local Production
Introduce policies that incentivize local grain production through subsidies, low-interest loans, and investment in agricultural technology.
2. Reconsider Import Tariffs
Reintroduce or increase tariffs on imported grains to protect domestic farmers and stimulate local consumption.
3. Ensure Quality Control
Implement strict quality control measures for imported food to encourage trust and demand for locally produced grains.
4. Improve Market Access
Help farmers reach more markets through logistical support, price regulation, and distribution networks.
5. Training and Resources
Provide education and modern farming training to increase productivity and competitiveness of local farmers.
“The government must engage directly with farmers and build policies that balance consumer needs with long-term food security,” Oyedokun said.
Food Inflation Drops, But Farmers Remain Concerned
While Nigeria’s headline inflation rate dropped to 22.22% in June 2025, food inflation remains a concern at 21.97%, according to official statistics. Farmers argue that the data does not reflect their reality, where high production costs and competition from imports continue to devastate their income.
