Nigeria spent a staggering $2.34 billion on food imports in 2025, according to the latest data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), highlighting the country’s continued dependence on foreign food supplies despite ongoing efforts to boost local agricultural production.
The figures, contained in the apex bank’s recent economic report, show that billions of dollars were expended on the importation of food items to meet domestic demand, placing additional pressure on the nation’s foreign exchange reserves.
Economic analysts say the development underscores persistent challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural sector, including insecurity in farming communities, poor infrastructure, post-harvest losses, climate-related disruptions, and limited access to financing for farmers.
The rising food import bill comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with high food prices and inflation, which have significantly reduced the purchasing power of households across the country.
Experts warn that continued reliance on imported food could further weaken the naira and expose the economy to external shocks, especially amid global supply chain uncertainties and fluctuating exchange rates.
The Federal Government has repeatedly pledged to strengthen food security through investments in agriculture, mechanisation, irrigation projects, and support for local farmers. However, stakeholders insist that more needs to be done to increase local production and reduce dependence on imports.
Agricultural economists have called for urgent policies aimed at improving rural security, expanding access to credit, and investing in modern farming technologies to enable Nigeria to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.
With food imports crossing the $2 billion mark, concerns are growing over the long-term sustainability of the country’s food supply strategy and the impact on the nation’s economy.
The latest CBN figures are expected to reignite debates on food security, agricultural reforms, and the urgent need to boost local production to feed Nigeria’s growing population.
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