Ibrahim highlighted that rice importation, in particular, would be especially painful for Nigerians who have heavily invested in rice production and processing. He called on the government to support local agriculture through subsidies for inputs such as machines, fertilizers, and chemicals to ensure a sustainable food system.

“The gains made in internal sufficiency will certainly be lost in some of the three competencies mentioned, namely rice, maize, and wheat,” Ibrahim stated. “Nigeria and Nigerians have made sizable investments in rice production and processing, making it very painful if this measure is absolutely necessary. The wheat and maize issues are easier to handle with limited importation, which has always been there.”

To build a sustainable food system, Ibrahim urged the government to encourage and intensify local production, processing, distribution, and marketing by providing sustainable subsidies for inputs like fertilizers, chemicals, and mechanization. 

“We have no objection to controlled importation within a limited period to cushion the effect of hardship among our citizens, but it should not be allowed beyond the agreed period of 5 months or 150 days, as well as the agreed quantity of 500,000MT,” he added.

This comes after the federal government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, announced plans to begin duty-free importation of select food commodities such as rice, maize, and wheat. The goal is to increase food supply to Nigerians and replenish the government’s strategic grain reserve.