Nigerian Farmers Criticize Tinubu’s Support for Grain Imports Amid Falling Food Prices

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Nigerian Farmers Criticize Tinubu’s Support for Grain Imports Amid Falling Food Prices

Local farmers in Nigeria have expressed displeasure over the influx of imported rice and maize, saying it is undermining domestic grain production. The criticism follows a noticeable drop in the prices of rice and maize nationwide, which farmers attribute to excessive imports.

In various posts on social media platform X, farmers argued that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s import-driven policy is severely affecting local agriculture, particularly rice and maize cultivation.

Food Prices Decline Due to Imports

The Federal Government had in July 2024 granted a 150-day import waiver on rice, maize, and other key food items, leading to increased availability and lower prices in the market. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, confirmed that the waiver contributed to food price reductions in the first quarter of 2025.

Market reports show that a 50kg bag of locally produced rice now sells for ₦65,000–₦68,000, and maize goes for ₦35,000–₦37,000 per bag. In contrast, imported rice costs up to ₦83,000 per bag. This price competition has squeezed profit margins for Nigerian farmers, leading many to question the viability of continuing local production.

Fertilizer Price Hike Worsens Challenges

Adding to farmers’ woes is the rising cost of fertilizers, which has pushed up production costs and further eroded profitability.

Expert Opinion on the Policy Impact

Commenting on the situation, Prof. Godwin Oyedokun of Lead City University, Ibadan, noted that policies favouring imports flood the market with foreign products, depress prices, and hurt local producers who struggle to remain competitive.

He recommended that the government consult farmers directly and consider a number of corrective actions:

• Boost Local Production: Implement policies that provide financial support, affordable credit, and technological tools to local farmers.
• Protective Tariffs: Impose or raise tariffs on imported grains to shield domestic producers and encourage patronage of local goods.
• Quality Assurance: Enforce quality standards on imports to preserve consumer trust in locally produced grains.
• Improved Market Access: Ensure farmers can sell their produce at fair prices through better market infrastructure and support.
• Training and Education: Offer resources and training to help farmers improve their productivity and competitiveness.

Prof. Oyedokun emphasized that a balanced strategy—one that protects both consumers and the agricultural sector—is vital for food security and economic resilience. He urged the government to include farmers in policy discussions for better outcomes.

Meanwhile, recent reports indicate that while Nigeria’s headline inflation fell to 22.22% in June 2025, food inflation remained high at 21.97%, underlining ongoing pressures in the agricultural sector.