Nigeria's Wheat Import Surge Continues Amid Domestic Production Growth

Nigeria is expected to increase its wheat imports to 7.2 million tons in the 2026/27 marketing year, despite efforts to expand domestic production. According to the USDA FAS, purchases will rise by nearly 500 thousand tons from the previous season.

The country's wheat production has nearly doubled since 2020, but consumption has increased by more than 45% over the same period. The Nigerian government has implemented initiatives such as the NAGS-AP program to reduce wheat import costs and increase crop yields.

The program provides subsidies covering 25% of seed costs and 50% of fertilizer costs, as well as access to credit, insurance, and agricultural extension services. However, rapidly growing consumption is preventing Nigeria from significantly reducing its dependence on foreign supplies.