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(Ecofin Agency) – In Nigeria, maize is the most widely grown and consumed cereal. The authorities are working to ensure a steady supply for the local market, amid growing pressures on availability.
On December 6, the Nigerian Senate passed a bill aimed at curbing the export of raw maize. Reuters reported that under the new bill, any shipment of unprocessed maize weighing a ton or more would be illegal. Offenders would face a fine equal to the value of the seized goods or up to one year in prison.
The main objective of this move is to ensure a stable supply for the domestic market. Many traders have been selling maize to neighboring West and Central African countries to take advantage of higher profits when converting their earnings back to the weaker naira, compared to the stronger CFA franc.
Official data indicate that Nigeria exports between 50,000 and 75,000 tons of maize annually, but observers believe these figures may underestimate the volume of unrecorded trade in the region.
The Senate’s proposal, which still needs approval from President Tinubu, comes amid severe food insecurity affecting over 30 million Nigerians. The maize sector, which plays a critical role in the country’s diet, is under growing pressure. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts Nigeria’s maize production will reach 11 million tons in 2024-2025, marking the second consecutive year it will fall below 12 million tons, a level also seen in 2018/2019, according to Ecofin Agency.
Several factors are contributing to the decline in maize production. Rising insecurity in the northern “maize belt,” which includes major maize-producing areas, has disrupted farming activities. The devaluation of the naira has also increased the cost of agricultural inputs, making it harder for farmers to invest in their fields. As a result, Nigeria’s maize yields are about half those of South Africa or Ethiopia.
With reduced production, the supply of maize will need to meet the growing demand for food, beverages, and livestock feed. The poultry industry alone already accounts for nearly 45% of maize consumption in Nigeria.
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