Browse Data and Analysis

Imports of wheat, rice, and corn in marketing year (MY) 2024/25 are estimated to increase as the economy stabilizes, inflation decreases, and the government implements a temporary zero-duty import policy for the afore-mentioned commodities until December 31.

Due to rising insecurity in grain producing regions and higher input costs affecting planting decisions, corn and rice production is expected to decline in marketing year (MY) 2024/25.

Post estimates marketing year (MY) 2023/24 wheat consumption to decrease to 4.5 million metric tons (MMT) or 10 percent from USDA's official estimate.

Rice import for MY 2023/24 is forecast to increase by 4 percent as flooding curbs domestic production and increases imports.

Nigeria wheat millers are diversifying their sources of wheat import due to the Russia-Ukraine crisis. FAS Lagos (Post) estimates wheat imports for MY 2022/23 at 6 million metric ton (MMT), a 3 percent reduction from last year’s Post estimate. Meanwhile, insurgency and floods in the northern part of the country greatly impacted corn and rice production respectively.

Rice import for MY 2022/23 is forecast to increase by 12 percent as political campaigns and electoral activities leading up to the general election in 2023 gear up. A 4 percent marginal increase in wheat imports is envisioned as the Russia/Ukraine crisis prolongs. High flour mill operating costs will negatively impact the price of flour.

Imported wheat ensures Nigeria food security amid a growing population since domestic production remains minimal.

In 2021, Nigeria is expected to face decreases in grain supplies due to conflict and economic factors exacerbated by the secondary effects of COVID-19. Internal security across the country is a serious challenge to food production especially in the corn belt.

Nigeria will rely on imports to meet its national requirements for grains (especially, wheat, corn, rice) in MY2020/21.

On April 9, the Government of Romania (GOR) suspended most exports of grains, oilseeds, and related products as of April 10, 2020, to non-European Union (EU) markets.

At nearly 313.5 MMT, the total MY2019/20 EU28 grain crop is around 2 MMT higher than the previous forecast, with higher wheat, corn and barley production partially offset by a lower mixed grain....

FAS Lagos (Post) forecasts Nigeria’s wheat imports in MY 2019/20 at 5.6 MMT, up almost 4 percent compared to MY 2018/19 based on growing food, seed and industrial (FSI) usage.