Nigeria food import bill rose to $1.19 billion in the first half of 2026, reflecting the country’s continued reliance on foreign food supplies despite efforts to strengthen domestic agricultural production. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), reported by The Guardian, showed an 11.41 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2025.
The increase highlights the challenges Nigeria faces in meeting its food needs through local production while managing foreign exchange demand and rising living costs. As households continue to grapple with food affordability, the latest figures have renewed attention on agricultural productivity, import spending and the need to strengthen the country’s food supply chain.
Although imported food helps meet domestic demand, sustained growth in import expenditure raises questions about the capacity of local farmers to supply the market and the measures needed to reduce dependence on international producers.
Nigeria’s Food Import Bill Increases Despite First-Quarter Decline
Nigeria’s food import expenditure followed different trends during the first and second quarters of 2026, according to the figures reported by The Guardian. Spending initially declined before rising sharply between April and June, contributing to the overall increase recorded during the first six months of the year.
In the first quarter, expenditure on food imports fell by 2.57 per cent, dropping from $550.79 million in the corresponding period of 2025 to $536.65 million in 2026. The decline offered a temporary reduction in import spending, although the trend did not continue into the following quarter.
During the second quarter, food import expenditure increased by 26.38 per cent, rising from $514.34 million in 2025 to approximately $650 million in 2026. The increase more than offset the reduction recorded during the first three months of the year.
April recorded one of the most significant changes, as food import spending rose by 54.28 per cent to $217.74 million, compared with $141.13 million in April 2025. Expenditure remained elevated in May and June, reaching $220.26 million and $212 million, respectively.
The figures indicate that the second-quarter increase played a major role in pushing Nigeria’s food import expenditure higher. However, spending figures alone do not establish whether the increase resulted from higher import volumes, changes in international food prices or other market conditions.
Foreign Exchange Demand and Food Prices Under Pressure
The rise in Nigeria’s food import bill also draws attention to the relationship between international food purchases and foreign exchange demand, particularly as importers require foreign currency to settle payments with overseas suppliers.
When businesses spend more on imported commodities, demand for foreign exchange can increase, potentially adding pressure to the country’s external payments. Exchange rate movements may also affect the naira cost of imported food, which can influence the prices consumers pay in domestic markets.
However, the relationship between import spending and food prices is not automatic, as local harvests, transportation costs, distribution networks and market competition also influence the final prices of essential commodities.
For Nigerian households already facing pressure from the cost of living, changes in food prices remain particularly important because food accounts for a substantial share of everyday spending. Greater dependence on imported supplies can also expose the domestic market to disruptions in international trade, shipping costs and global commodity prices.
Nevertheless, the latest figures do not independently establish that imported food has become more expensive for consumers or that domestic agricultural output has declined. They instead highlight the importance of examining import expenditure alongside local production and market conditions.
Boosting Local Agriculture Could Reduce Import Dependence
Strengthening domestic agricultural production remains an important step towards reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported food and improving long-term food security. Farmers need access to affordable fertilisers, improved seeds, modern equipment and financing to increase output and compete more effectively in the market.
Investment in irrigation, storage facilities and rural transportation could also help farmers produce more food throughout the year while reducing losses after harvest. Better storage and distribution systems would allow more locally produced commodities to reach consumers before they spoil.
Insecurity in farming communities presents another challenge, as farmers need safe access to their land to maintain production and expand cultivation. Addressing these concerns, alongside high production costs, could help improve agricultural output and strengthen the domestic supply chain.
Government policies must also support farmers beyond the planting season by improving access to markets, encouraging private investment and strengthening agricultural processing. These measures could help local producers supply more of the food Nigerians consume while creating opportunities across the agricultural sector.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s rising food import expenditure highlights the need for sustained investment in local food production and stronger agricultural infrastructure. Reducing dependence on foreign supplies will require practical measures that improve farmers’ productivity, protect food distribution networks and make locally produced commodities more accessible to consumers.
