Nigeria’s Senate has approved a bill criminalising the export of large quantities of unprocessed corn to address hunger in the nation, according to documents reviewed by Reuters on Friday.
As Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria is facing its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades. The situation has deteriorated further since President Bola Tinubu implemented austerity measures, including devaluing the naira and removing a long-standing petrol subsidy, which have fueled inflation.
The naira’s devaluation has also encouraged informal exports of essential commodities like corn, rice, and sorghum to neighbouring countries, where the West African CFA franc offers a more favourable exchange rate.
Corn, a key staple in Nigeria, is also vital for producing animal feed, beverages, and processed flour.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects an increase in Nigeria’s corn exports, estimating 75,000 metric tons in 2024/25 compared to 50,000 metric tons in 2023/24.
The Senate bill, pending the president’s approval to become law, would prohibit the export of unprocessed corn in quantities starting at one metric ton. Violators could face fines equivalent to the corn’s value or a one-year prison sentence.
A November report jointly published by Nigeria’s government and the United Nations predicts over 30 million people in the country will face food insecurity in 2024—a 33% increase from this year.
Currently, Nigeria consumes approximately 12 million metric tons of corn annually, with imports accounting for about 100,000 metric tons, according to USDA estimates.
