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The recent decision to open Nigeria’s borders to food imports has sparked controversy, highlighting the country’s inconsistent and shortsighted food policy. The policy, announced by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, aimed to cushion the effects of inflation and hunger. However, it has had unintended consequences, threatening the very foundation of Nigeria’s food security.

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The Nigeria Customs Service has waived billions of naira in import duties on food staples, leading to a temporary drop in prices. However, this “success” has been short-lived and superficial. The purchasing power of the average Nigerian remains unchanged, and local farmers are left in despair. “We are being forced to sell our produce at a loss because the market has been flooded with cheaper imports,” they lament

The policy has also led to rice millers and food processors shutting down operations, citing unsustainable investments. “The government has made our investments unsustainable by allowing unregulated importation,” they claim. The government faces a daunting task: balancing food affordability with protecting local production.

A well-thought-out food policy is urgently needed, recognizing that importation can only be a short-term solution. The government must subsidize agricultural inputs, revive key industries, and adopt a price support policy to protect farmers and stabilize the market.

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Moreover, accountability is essential to restoring trust and making government interventions effective. Nigeria stands at a crossroads, and endless importation is not the solution. It will only create temporary relief while destroying the foundation of local food production.

The government must chart a clear path forward, prioritizing local farmers, supporting food processors, protecting consumers, and promoting national self-reliance. Anything short of that is a betrayal of Nigeria’s future. It’s time to fix the root of the problem, not just the symptoms.

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