A policy war has erupted between Nigeria’s agricultural producers and the Federal Government as farmers’ unions accuse policymakers of undercutting local production through import waivers and cheap foreign inflows.
While official figures show food inflation easing for the first time in months, farmers say the trend reflects market flooding, not efficiency.
Abdullahi Suleiman, National Secretary of the All-Farmers Alliance, told IDNN that “government import waivers have created artificial abundance while burying local producers under debt.”
According to him, imported maize, rice, and vegetable oil have infiltrated major markets since Q3, forcing local suppliers to sell below production cost.
“Our warehouses are full, yet our bank accounts are empty,” Suleiman said. “Farmers are being priced out by policies meant to help consumers.”
The Rural Backlash
Across Kaduna, Benue, and Kano, field reports show maize and soybean farmers unable to repay loans under the Anchor Borrowers Scheme. Cooperative groups warn that another harvest season like this could trigger mass rural defaults.
Winners and Losers
- Winners: Urban consumers and food distributors enjoying temporary relief.
- Losers: Smallholder farmers with unsold stock and shrinking profit margins.
- Middlemen: Traders exploiting price gaps through informal warehousing and cross-border re-export.
The Ministry of Agriculture defends the policy as “temporary market stabilization”, claiming import waivers prevent consumer panic.
But analysts argue that Nigeria is repeating a cycle: short-term price control that kills long-term productivity.
“It’s like curing fever by breaking the thermometer,” said economic analyst Dr. Ngozi Ekeoma, in an IDNN interview.
Policy vs Production
Nigeria’s agriculture now mirrors its oil sector paradox — government chasing price optics over sustainability.
If subsidies and waivers persist, rural producers could abandon key staples by next planting season, leaving “cheap food” today but famine risk tomorrow.
This is IDNN. Independent. Digital. Uncompromising.
