Nigeria’s soaring Food Import bill sparks criticism as Farmers reject quick-fix price crash orders

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Nigeria’s agricultural import bill hit ₦2.22 trillion in the first half of 2025, sparking outrage among farmers, rice millers, and industry stakeholders, who argue that government policies are undermining local food production and worsening insecurity in the sector.

The backlash intensified after President Bola Tinubu reportedly directed a Federal Executive Council committee on September 11 to enforce measures to further slash food prices nationwide.

Speaking in Abuja at a one-day capacity-building workshop for Senate correspondents, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, confirmed the President’s order.

“I can say it on good authority to you that the President has given a matching order to a Federal Executive Council committee already handling it on how we are going to promote the safe passage of agricultural foods and commodities across our various routes in the country,” Abdullahi said.

He added, “We are aware, and I’m sure, as media, you are also aware, there are routes through which commodities are taken before they are delivered. If you know the amount of money that is being spent, you can now understand why those commodities have to be expensive at the point of delivery. So, we are working very hard, and we are doing quite a lot. But I’ve just given you a snippet because I’m here, and I felt we should look at that.”

But this presidential directive has triggered pushback from farmers and millers, who argue that mere pronouncements cannot override market realities or substitute for sound planning.

“The cost of food will go down if transport costs go down, but that alone is not enough,” said Kabir Ibrahim, National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria. “Our farmers are complaining that the prices are so low that they cannot buy fertilizer. The importation has dealt with our farmers.”

Industry stakeholders echoed this sentiment, warning that piecemeal policies such as duty-free waivers, rushed directives to crash food prices, or delayed tractor distribution will not provide a lasting solution to Nigeria’s deepening food crisis

Dama cautioned, “Yes, reducing transport costs will bring some relief. But the government must also engage rice millers, farmers, and private investors. Import licences should not replace real investment in local production. If we continue like this, we will never be food-secure.”

Asonye also highlighted the plight of smallholder farmers, particularly women. “If farmers cannot break even, they will abandon production or resort to strike actions. That will deepen the food crisis.”

With imports climbing and domestic producers struggling with rising input costs, poor storage facilities, and low purchasing power, many experts warn that Nigeria’s food sector faces a fragile future.

While government officials insist that the food price crash directive, mechanisation push, and import substitution programmes will ease the burden on citizens, stakeholders argue that without subsidies, infrastructure support, and genuine consultation, Nigeria’s dependence on imports will keep growing—at the expense of local farmers and long-term food security.

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