Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The renewed illegal importation of rice is threatening local production of the commodity in the country, thus placing the massive investment by the federal government and other stakeholders on edge, Daily Trust investigation revealed. Our correspondents gathered that smugglers have stockpiled tons of rice in neighbouring Benin and Niger republics, some of which have found their way to the Nigerian markets. The federal government had at the twilight of the Buhari administration reopened some of the closed borders, with sources saying foreign rice is now finding its way into the country apart from what is being brought in through hundreds of illegal entry points. Efforts to talk to the presidency to know its policy direction on land borders and rice importation through such channels were not successful. 

The Nigerian government has been facing a surge in illegal rice importation, threatening local production and putting significant investment in the country. The government has closed many of Nigeria's official borders, reducing importation of some commodities, including foreign rice. This has led to an increase in paddy production from 2.8 million tons in 2010 to 8 million tons now, with processed rice quantities averaging 5.3 million tons. However, this has left between 1.5 and 2 million ton demand shortfall, even as average yield has increased. The federal government has reopened some of the closed borders, with foreign rice now finding its way into the country. The average annual consumption of rice in Nigeria is estimated to be between 6.7 and 7 million metric tons per annum, leaving a gap of over 1.7 million tons. To close this gap, experts suggest reducing post-harvest losses incurred by smallholder farmers and supporting traditional processors to meet urban demand. The revelation of increased imports into Benin raises concerns among farmers and processors in the region.