Food Prices: Tinubu’s Policy sparks debate over Local Food Production

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Nigerian farmers have expressed concerns over the influx of imported rice and maize in the country’s markets, which they believe is undermining locally produced grains. The farmers’ frustration comes as prices of rice and maize have dropped nationwide, attributed to the surplus importation of these products.

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The Federal Government had announced a 150-day import waiver for rice, maize, and other staple foods in July last year, which has led to a drop in food prices. However, local farmers are struggling to compete with imported goods, with a 50-kilogramme bag of local rice costing N65,000 to N68,000, while foreign rice costs N83,000 per bag

The situation is further compounded by the surge in fertiliser prices, which has increased the cost of production for local farmers. Prof. Godwin Oyedokun, lead at City University in Ibadan, said, “The concerns of Nigerian farmers regarding the surge in imports of grains like maize and rice are quite valid. When government policies favour imports, it can lead to an oversupply in the market, which often drives prices down and negatively impacts local farmers who struggle to compete with imported goods.”

Oyedokun urged the Nigerian government to address the concerns raised by local farmers. “To address these complaints, it’s important to engage in a dialogue with farmers to understand their perspectives and challenges,” he said. He suggested several measures to support local production, including “Support for Local Production: Advocating for policies that incentivize local grain production, such as subsidies, access to credit, and investment in agricultural technology, can help level the playing field.”

Other measures include implementing import tariffs to protect local farmers, ensuring quality control for imported grains, facilitating better market access for farmers, and providing education and training on modern agricultural practices. Oyedokun emphasized the need for a balanced approach that considers both the needs of consumers and the sustainability of local agriculture.

“A balanced approach that considers both the needs of consumers and the sustainability of local agriculture is essential for long-term food security and economic stability in Nigeria,” he said. “Listening to farmers and involving them in the decision-making process can lead to more effective policies that benefit everyone.

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