Nigeria’s food and drink market set to reach $84.8bn by 2032

Nigeria’s food and drink market is on track for significant growth. It was valued at around $53.87 billion in 2024 and could reach $84.83 billion by 2032, according to estimates from Market Research Store reported by The Guardian Nigeria. That is an increase of more than 50% in under a decade.

The growth is reshaping the industry. As consumer demand shifts, Nigerian businesses face growing pressure to strengthen how food is processed, preserved and distributed. For suppliers, that pressure translates into demand for ingredients, packaging, technology and finished products.

Despite major investment in local production, Nigeria still relies heavily on imported food and drink to meet demand. According to the World Trade Organization, the country’s food imports totalled $6.1 billion in 2023, almost three times the value of its food exports.
The gap is clear across key categories:

• Sugar: Nigeria sources around 96% of its sugar from Brazil, with annual consumption of roughly 1.4 to 1.6 million tonnes, largely met through imports.
• Dairy: The government is actively seeking to expand domestic milk production and reduce reliance on imported dairy products.
• Staples: Across West Africa, around 40% of the rice consumed is imported.

Long-term plans to grow local output are under way, but they will take years to deliver at scale. In the meantime, a population of more than 240 million and a fast-growing food market mean demand for quality imported products remains strong.

In Nigeria, most food and beverage products reach shelves through importers, distributors and wholesalers. These buyers decide which brands enter the market and how far they travel. For any international supplier looking to meet Nigeria’s demand, building relationships with them is essential.

Food & Beverage West Africa exists to close the gap between international supply and African demand. The show brings suppliers face to face with the importers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers who control routes to market in Nigeria and across the region.

Interested in finding out more, speak to the team today. CLICK HERE to speak to a member of the team

Source: Guardian, October 2026