Abuja, Nigeria – Experts have expressed concerns over the Federal Government’s recent decision to open Nigeria’s borders to allow duty-free food imports, warning that it could negatively impact private investments in the agriculture sector.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced the 150-day duty-free import window for commodities such as maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas as part of the Presidential Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan. Kyari emphasized that the move aims to tackle immediate food security challenges and stabilize prices.
However, the decision has drawn criticism from stakeholders including Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, who described it as “depressing.” Adesina, a former Nigerian agriculture minister, warned that relying on food imports could undermine previous efforts and private investments in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
“Nigeria cannot import its way out of food insecurity. We should be producing more food locally to stabilize prices, create jobs, and reduce foreign exchange spending,” Adesina emphasized during a retreat in Abuja.
He stressed the importance of enhancing domestic agricultural productivity, citing Africa’s vast arable land potential and the continent’s role in global food security. Adesina urged Nigeria to strive for self-sufficiency in food production rather than becoming dependent on imports.
In response, analysts from Afrinvest cautioned that while the short-term relief provided by the policy is appreciated, a protectionist approach may not be sustainable without addressing underlying challenges in Nigeria’s agriculture value chain. They highlighted issues such as insecurity in key agricultural regions and climate change-induced desertification, which are impacting food production and livelihoods.
The analysts underscored the need for the Federal Government to prioritize infrastructure development, enhance security in agrarian areas, and support local farmers to achieve sustainable agricultural development and long-term food security goals.
The debate continues amidst ongoing efforts to balance short-term relief measures with long-term strategies aimed at achieving food security and economic stability in Nigeria.
