LAGOS, NIGERIA – Nigerian farmers and agricultural stakeholders have raised concerns over the country’s growing reliance on food imports, arguing that insecurity in farming communities and inadequate rural infrastructure continue to undermine domestic food production.
The concerns follow data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which showed that food imports reached approximately N2.34 billion in 2025, despite ongoing efforts to strengthen local agricultural production and improve food security.
Industry representatives say the trend highlights persistent structural challenges facing the agricultural sector, including insecurity, poor road networks and limited support services for rural communities.
Speaking on the issue, the General Secretary of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Femi Oke, said the continued importation of food products that can be produced locally discourages farmers and weakens national food security efforts.
According to Oke, Nigeria possesses sufficient agricultural potential to produce a large share of its food requirements domestically if farmers are provided with adequate support and protection.
He argued that excessive dependence on imported food reduces incentives for local production and limits opportunities for agricultural investment and rural economic development.
Agricultural communication expert Dr Ismail Olawale said increasing budget allocations alone would not solve the sector’s challenges, stressing that sustainable agricultural development requires improvements in security, transportation, logistics and rural infrastructure.
He noted that many food-producing communities remain vulnerable to attacks by bandits and other criminal groups, making farming activities increasingly risky and reducing production levels.
“Food security cannot be achieved without securing farming communities and ensuring that farmers can safely access their land and transport produce to markets,” he said.
Olawale added that investments in rural roads, surveillance systems, extension services and community development are essential to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The poultry industry has also expressed concern over the impact of insecurity on food production.
National Publicity Secretary of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Godwin Egbebe, said safety concerns have forced many farmers to abandon agricultural activities and relocate to urban areas in search of alternative livelihoods.
According to Egbebe, the resulting decline in farm activity has contributed to lower domestic food production and increased reliance on imports.
He said that addressing insecurity should be a top priority if the country hopes to reduce food imports and strengthen self-sufficiency.
“Many farmers can no longer safely access their farms, and this is affecting production across several agricultural value chains,” he said.
Stakeholders believe that improving security conditions would encourage displaced farmers to return to production, increase cultivated land area and boost overall agricultural output.
Nigeria has long pursued policies aimed at reducing food imports and promoting local production through investments in crop cultivation, livestock development and agro-processing. However, experts argue that progress has been constrained by persistent insecurity, rising production costs and inadequate infrastructure.
Recent reports indicate that the cost of farm inputs, including fertiliser, transportation and labour, continues to rise, placing additional pressure on farmers and limiting their ability to expand production.
Agricultural analysts warn that unless these structural challenges are addressed, Nigeria may continue to face growing food import bills despite its vast agricultural resources and favourable climate conditions.
The stakeholders are calling for a comprehensive approach that combines improved security, rural infrastructure development, access to finance, modern farming technologies and stronger support services for producers.
They argue that such measures would not only boost food production but also create jobs, strengthen rural economies and improve national food security.
With agriculture remaining a key pillar of Nigeria’s economy, industry leaders say reducing dependence on imported food will require sustained investments that make farming both productive and profitable while ensuring the safety of rural communities.
As policymakers seek to strengthen food security and reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves, stakeholders maintain that empowering local farmers remains the most sustainable path toward achieving long-term agricultural growth and import substitution.