Nigeria's Government Consults on Rice Value Chain Affordability

The Federal Government of Nigeria has convened federal and state institutions, farmers, and millers for a technical consultation aimed at improving consumer affordability within the nation's rice value chain. This initiative follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive to enhance food security, domestic production, and private-sector investment.

The session, chaired by Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele and represented by Director of Technical Services Bashir Abdukadir, included PFSCU Executive Secretary Marion Moon as assistant chair. Stakeholders discussed the necessity for an integrated food-market data framework and identified high production costs, particularly due to fertiliser expenses, as a major constraint.

The consultation revealed that rice production costs are approximately N2.2–N2.3 million per hectare. Stakeholders advocated for increased investment in irrigation and better financing options for mills and processors.

A market survey indicated that the price of a 50-kilogram bag of rice ranges from N53,000 to N82,000, influenced by various factors including location and supply chain efficiency.