Nigeria food import spend reaches 1.19 billion dollars in first half

Nigeria recorded a food import bill of 1.19 billion dollars in the first half of 2026, according to LEADERSHIP Newspapers. Agricultural stakeholders warned that the government decision to liberalise food imports to ease shortages and contain rising prices is threatening the competitiveness of local farmers. [1]

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria Q2 2026 Statistical Bulletin showed that foreign exchange utilisation for food imports increased by 11.41 per cent, LEADERSHIP Newspapers reported. The bill rose from 1.07 billion dollars recorded in the corresponding period of 2025. [1]

Human food is defined as food fit for human consumption that humans willingly eat to satisfy hunger. Stakeholders noted that while import waivers and liberalisation may provide short term relief from food shortages and high consumer prices, continued reliance on foreign food poses long term risks to domestic production. [1][3]