Nigeria spent $1.19 billion on food imports in the first half of 2026, up $121.52 million or 11.41% from the same period of 2025, according to an analysis of the Central Bank of Nigeria's quarterly bulletin. Forex spending on food imports rose in most months, and in the second quarter it climbed 26.38% to $650 million, offsetting a 2.57% decline in the first quarter. Industry figures blame insecurity, which has forced farmers off their land, and low adoption of modern farming technology for weak local output. Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II warned that open import policies, including rice from Thailand, have weakened local rice mills and left banks with bad loans, and urged support for poor households that does not harm domestic farmers.
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