Browse Data and Analysis

Nigeria is one of Africa's largest retail consumer markets, however in 2023-2024, difficult economic conditions and changing government policies have taken a bite out of the country's food retail prospects. This report provides an overview of Nigeria’s retail sector, including market entry strategies, structure, distribution channels, and best export prospects.

Imports of wheat, rice, and corn in marketing year (MY) 2024/25 are estimated to increase as the economy stabilizes, inflation decreases, and the government implements a temporary zero-duty import policy for the afore-mentioned commodities until December 31.

On August 14, Nigeria’s Customs Service publicly released implementation guidelines that temporarily waives all import (and associated levy) taxes for rice, sorghum, millet, corn, wheat, and beans until December 31, 2024. This policy was announced in mid-July by the Minister of Agriculture to “to ameliorate food inflation in the country.”

Unlike the many smaller trade shows in Nigeria, Food and Beverage (FAB) West Africa 2024 stood out as a well-attended, well-organized, and diverse trade show featuring snack and processed foods, confectionery products, beverages, food ingredients, dairy products, grains, seafood, and food service equipment.

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with a relatively young and urbanizing populace. While there are clear food and agricultural export opportunities, the weakened economy is still making its way out of a very difficult 2023. Consumers are contending with food price inflation, and wages have not kept pace with the increase in living costs.

Nigeria maintains several lists of agricultural and related products prohibited from trade, including at least two export lists and one import list. The scope of many products on these lists is not always well described, leading to misinterpretation and confusion.

This report provides information on the food and agricultural laws and regulations to import food into Nigeria. Laws regulating and monitoring food safety standards and practices were updated in Section 1. Labeling requirements were revised in Section II in line with the most recent regulation changes.

FAS-Lagos forecasts a 6 percent decrease in raw sugar imports in marketing year (MY) 2024/25 due to the scarcity of foreign exchange and the projected decrease in consumption.

Due to higher input costs associated with planting corn, rice, and other crops, soybean and peanut production is expected to increase in marketing year (MY) 2024/25. Private sector investors are expanding oil palm production and increasing processing capacity to take advantage of strong demand and high prices.

This report highlights all major certificates and permits that the government of Nigeria (GON) requires for exporting food and agricultural products from the United States to Nigeria. It also complements the FAIRS – Annual Country Report for Nigeria (2024).

On March 14, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) officially noted the lifting of restrictions on sourcing foreign exchange to import dairy products. Previously, only six designated companies could source foreign exchange from the government to import dairy products.

Due to rising insecurity in grain producing regions and higher input costs affecting planting decisions, corn and rice production is expected to decline in marketing year (MY) 2024/25.