Arc. Kabir Ibrahim, the National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), has warned that duty-free food importation will undermine the progress made in local production of maize, rice, and wheat. He shared these concerns during a conversation with Nairametrics on Tuesday, highlighting that while the current food security situation might necessitate some level of trade liberalization and imports, it should be limited to a 150-day period.
Ibrahim expressed particular concern about rice importation, emphasizing that it would be especially disheartening for Nigerians who have heavily invested in rice production and processing.
He also urged the government to support local farmers by providing subsidies for inputs like machinery, fertilizers, and chemicals, which are essential for a sustainable food system in the country.
“The gains made in achieving internal sufficiency in rice, maize, and wheat will certainly be lost,” he stated, underscoring the potential negative impact on these key agricultural sectors.
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