A coalition of local farmers and agribusiness stakeholders has called on the Federal Government to halt the importation of subsidized food items, warning that the practice is crippling Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Naija247news gathered that the group, under the aegis of the Nigerian Agribusiness Alliance (NAA), made the appeal during a press conference in Abuja, citing the adverse effects of subsidized imports on local production and food security.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, the group highlighted that the influx of cheap, subsidized food items such as rice, wheat, and poultry products from foreign markets has made it difficult for local farmers to compete. “These imports are sold at artificially low prices, making it impossible for our locally produced goods to compete. This is killing our businesses and discouraging investment in agriculture,” said Alhaji Ibrahim Dikko, President of the NAA.
Naija247news understands that the Federal Government has been importing subsidized food items to stabilize prices and address food shortages. However, the NAA argues that this short-term solution is undermining long-term agricultural development. “Instead of importing food, the government should invest in local farmers, provide access to credit, and improve infrastructure to boost production,” Dikko added.
The group also warned that the continued reliance on food imports could jeopardize Nigeria’s food security and increase the country’s dependence on foreign markets. According to Naija247news, the NAA cited data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showing that Nigeria spends billions of dollars annually on food imports, despite having the potential to produce enough food to feed its population.
Naija247news reports that the call by the NAA has been echoed by other stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN). “We have the capacity to produce enough food for this country, but we need the right policies and support from the government,” said Dr. Femi Oke, Chairman of AFAN.
According to Naija247news, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has acknowledged the concerns raised by the group and assured stakeholders that it is working on policies to promote local production. “We are committed to supporting our farmers and reducing our reliance on food imports. This is a priority for the government,” said a ministry official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
As the debate over food imports continues, the NAA has urged the government to take immediate action to protect local farmers and ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. According to Naija247news, the group’s appeal highlights the urgent need for a shift in policy to prioritize local production and reduce dependence on foreign markets. For now, the fate of Nigeria’s agribusiness sector hangs in the balance, with stakeholders hoping for a swift and decisive response from the government.
