Nigeria’s food and beverage imports rose sharply to N677.3 billion in the first half of 2025, a 44.5% increase from N468.8 billion during the same period in 2024, highlighting the country’s growing reliance on imported goods amid weak local production.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that while imports for household consumption surged, processed food imports slightly declined by 1.85%, from N699.6 billion to N686.8 billion.
Industrial-use imports of primary foods increased by 1.37%, and processed foods for industrial use grew by 7.28% over the six months.
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Industry experts linked the surge to insecurity, inconsistent agricultural policies, poor funding, and a consumer preference for imported products perceived as higher quality and more readily available.
The chairman of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Agricultural Group, Tunde Banjoko, stressed that inadequate storage, weak commodity boards, and substandard production processes are undermining local output.
He urged the government to invest in agribusiness financing, storage infrastructure, and guaranteed offtake systems to stabilize supply.
Dr Femi Egbesola of the Association of Small Business Owners cited insecurity and outdated farming practices as key barriers, noting that abandoned farmlands and low technological adoption have left Nigeria lagging far behind global standards.
Speaking also, Dr Muda Yusuf of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise added that government import waivers and demand for wheat-based staples like bread and noodles also drive higher import levels.
Meanwhile, NASME Director-General Eke Ubiji warned that rising import values do not indicate improved purchasing power, as inflation has forced consumers to shift to smaller, cheaper product sizes.
Stakeholders agree that coordinated government action—tackling insecurity, promoting local production, incentivizing agribusiness, and supporting farmers with financing and technology—is essential to reduce import dependency and improve food security.
