Rice Import Flood Cripples 90 Nigerian Rice Mills

Nigeria’s rice sector is on the verge of collapse as a surge in rice imports and smuggling has forced nearly 90 of over 150 rice mills nationwide to shut down. Remaining mills now operate at just 30–70% of their capacity, according to Dr. Andy Ekwelem, Director-General of the Rice Processors Association of Nigeria. Imports jumped to between 2.4 and 3.2 million metric tons in 2025, fueled by a duty-free waiver and illegal smuggling. This supply glut drove prices down, wiping out local competitiveness and prompting calls from the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism and industry leaders for immediate import controls and stronger border enforcement. Government officials, including the Ministers of Agriculture and Industry, have pledged policy action to protect domestic producers. Without swift measures on tariffs, smuggling and input costs, thousands of jobs along the rice value chain remain at risk and Nigeria’s food security could suffer further setbacks.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.