Local Rice Production in Nigeria Meets Only 57% of Demand, Says AFAN Official

Mr. Shakin Agbayewa, Deputy Chairman of the Lagos chapter of the All-Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), has reported that local rice production meets just 57% of the 6.5 million metric tonnes consumed annually in Nigeria.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, alongside the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Mr. Agbayewa highlighted several key issues. He urged farmers not to repackage local rice in foreign bags to increase profits, describing this practice as “internal smuggling.” He stressed that under the right conditions, Nigeria could meet its rice consumption needs.

Mr. Agbayewa stated, “We have a major problem with locally grown rice, which we call ‘internal smuggling’. Local rice cultivators rebag home-grown rice in foreign bags to sell at higher prices. This lack of honesty among local rice producers is partly responsible for the increase in rice prices. In Nigeria today, we consume close to 6.5 to 7 million metric tonnes of rice yearly. Unfortunately, our local production is about 57 per cent, thanks to the previous administration’s border closure. We still have a shortfall of about 43 per cent. If we are honest and all parameters are equal, local rice farmers will be able to meet the demands for home-grown rice.”

The Lagos State RIFAN Chairman, Mr. Raphael Hunsa, called for concerted efforts to boost local rice production. He emphasized the need for commitment and involvement from all stakeholders, particularly youth, to increase rice production.

Hunsa also noted that the Lagos State rice mill at Imota, capable of producing 33,000 metric tonnes per hour, lacks sufficient paddy to operate. He urged the government to support local farmers, reduce reliance on northern states for paddy, and attract more rice farmers to meet the growing demand for locally grown rice.

Increase in Rice Prices

In 2023, AFEX reported that rice prices are expected to rise by around 32% in 2024 due to production stagnation at around 3.2%. Earlier in the year, the price of a 50kg bag of rice surged to nearly N90,000 but has since moderated to around N75,000. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Food Price Watch, the price of 1kg of loose rice has increased by nearly 170% year-on-year.

In an effort to increase supply and reduce prices, the federal government has considered importing rice paddy to the various idle rice mills across the nation.