Nigerian farmers are advocating for a focus on locally produced food and livestock, citing the high costs associated with imported goods. According to the President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kabir Ibrahim, imported rice from India costs about $58 per bag, which translates to over N60,000 per bag due to the current exchange rate.
Ibrahim highlighted that local rice is more affordable because of the high exchange rate, making it difficult for imported goods to compete in the Nigerian market once distribution costs are factored in.
He also noted that the cost of bringing maize from Brazil is higher than sourcing it locally, despite Brazil being the source of the cheapest maize available. Additionally, he refuted claims that 70% of imported livestock into Nigeria comes from Niger Republic, emphasizing that most of the livestock slaughtered in Lagos originates from the northern part of Nigeria.
