Nigeria’s Annual Food Import Bill Tops $10 Billion, Agriculture Minister Announces

During the 2025 Agric & Export Expo hosted by FirstBank Nigeria in Lagos, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, revealed that Nigeria spends over $10 billion every year importing essential food items such as wheat, rice, sugar, fish, and even tomato paste.

Highlighting the country's agricultural capacity, the minister emphasized that crop farming accounts for approximately 35% of Nigeria’s GDP. Despite having 85 million hectares of arable land and a youthful population, Nigeria contributes less than 0.5% to global agricultural exports, earning under $400 million annually. 

Addressing the government’s vision, Kyari reaffirmed President Tinubu’s push for food sovereignty—stressing that Nigeria must be able to feed itself without over-reliance on imports. 

He further noted that while Nigeria has the land, labour, and market potential, the lack of structured financial frameworks, infrastructure, and value-addition systems undermines its productivity. He urged a shift from oil dependency to agricultural resilience and export-led growth, recognising agriculture’s dual role in feeding the nation and fueling economic expansion.

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