Nigeria expected to increase corn and wheat imports
Nigeria is projected to import more corn and wheat in the MY 2025/26 due to a more stable foreign exchange rate, improved consumer purchasing power, and lower global grain prices, according to a report from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US Department of Agriculture.
Wheat imports are estimated at 6.7 mln tons, up from 6.25 mln tons last year. A temporary zero-duty import policy in 2024 made wheat more affordable and accessible in early 2025, boosting profit margins for many businesses, the FAS noted.
A significant portion of Nigerian wheat millers prefer hard wheat flour, with about 70% of wheat flour used for bread production and the remainder for cakes, biscuits, and pastries. Bread demand remains steady despite price fluctuations, with noodles being the second most in-demand product, according to the FAS.
The European Union holds a 45% share of Nigeria’s wheat import market. From January to June 2025, US wheat exports to Nigeria surged by 246%, reaching $139.5 million, compared to $40.3 million in the same period of 2024. The FAS attributes this rebound to competitive US pricing, a stable exchange rate, and an improved macroeconomic environment in Nigeria.
Corn imports are projected to reach 0.26 mln tons, up from 0.125 mln tons in 2024-25, driven by a stabilizing exchange rate and reduced domestic production. US corn exports to Nigeria from January to July 2025 totaled approximately 0.085 mln tons, a significant increase from zero exports in the same period over the past two years. About half of these imports arrived after the duty waiver ended in May 2025, suggesting favorable pricing played a key role. Domestic corn production is estimated at 11.9 mln tons, down from a previous forecast of 12 mln tons but up from 11.2 mln tons in 2024-25. The adjustment reflects reduced harvested areas due to high input costs and anticipated import growth, with competitively priced imported corn undermining earlier efforts to expand planted areas, the FAS reported.
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