The Federal Government has moved to strengthen Nigeria’s rice industry and confront the growing challenges threatening the sector.
This was disclosed while the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, held a high-level meeting with the Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN) in Abuja on Monday, March 9, 2026.
The strategic engagement, according to a statement by Augustina Obilor-Duru, Head Press and PR, focused on addressing persistent obstacles within Nigeria’s rice value chain and identifying practical policy measures that will support local production, protect domestic processors, and reinforce national food security.
Speaking during the meeting, Senator Owan Enoh stressed that the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s rice industry depend on stronger collaboration between government, industry operators, and private sector partners.
He noted that achieving long-term stability in the sector requires collective responsibility and commitment across the entire value chain.
“Sustainable progress in Nigeria’s rice industry can only be achieved through strong collaboration among government, industry leaders and private sector stakeholders,” the Minister said.
“Every player in the value chain must work together to ensure that Nigeria continues its journey toward self-sufficiency in rice production.”
The Minister also emphasized the importance of responsible conduct within the sector, noting that transparency, cooperation, and a shared commitment to national development are essential for meaningful progress.
“Our priorities remain clear,” he stated. “Government is focused on ensuring the availability of rice across the country, safeguarding national food security, and maintaining prices that are affordable for Nigerian consumers.”
Senator Owan Enoh further raised concerns over the growing influx of cheaper foreign rice into the Nigerian market, warning that it poses a major threat to local producers and the country’s industrial and agricultural progress.
“When imported or smuggled rice is sold at prices far below locally processed rice, it undermines domestic production and discourages investment in the sector,” he said.
“Government will not hesitate to take necessary policy actions to protect local industry and sustain Nigeria’s rice value chain.”
He also urged industry stakeholders to provide accurate information about the realities facing the sector, explaining that credible data is essential for government to formulate effective and responsive policies.
“Many of these issues have been discussed repeatedly over the years,” he said.
“However, the focus of this administration is not endless dialogue but practical implementation that delivers results for Nigerians.”
The Minister underscored that rice remains one of the most widely consumed staple foods in Nigeria and holds significant strategic value for national stability.
“A strong rice sector is vital for food security, job creation, and economic growth,” he added.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Rice Processors Association of Nigeria, Dr. Andy Ekwelem, highlighted the major challenges confronting the industry, particularly the large-scale smuggling of rice into the country.
According to him, rice entering Nigeria illegally through land borders bypasses official duties and levies, making it significantly cheaper than locally processed rice and placing domestic producers at a severe disadvantage.
“Smuggled rice enters the Nigerian market at prices that local producers simply cannot compete with,” Dr. Ekwelem said.
“This unfair competition has had devastating consequences for the industry.”
He revealed that the impact on rice processors across the country has been severe.
“Out of more than 150 rice mills nationwide, nearly 90 have shut down operations,” he disclosed.
“The remaining mills are currently operating between 30 and 70 percent of their installed capacity.”
Despite these setbacks, he noted that the rice sector continues to play a critical role in Nigeria’s economy, providing direct employment for more than 100,000 people—including graduates and women—while also supporting over 10 million farmers across the agricultural value chain.
Dr. Ekwelem further explained that farmers and processors are currently battling rising production costs, security challenges in farming communities, and inadequate infrastructure.
“Many farmers are forced to sell their produce at a loss due to the pressure created by the influx of cheaper smuggled rice,” he said.
“This situation is making it increasingly difficult for local millers to remain viable.”
He also clarified that the recent decline in rice prices recorded in some markets should not be mistaken for increased domestic production.
“The drop in prices is largely driven by the activities of organized smuggling networks moving large volumes of rice through illegal channels across Nigeria’s borders,” he stated.
Stakeholders at the meeting therefore called for stronger border enforcement and more effective measures to curb illegal rice imports.
They noted that curbing smuggling would create the necessary environment for local mills to expand production, encourage farmers to increase output, and stimulate broader economic benefits across the agricultural value chain.
Participants agreed that strengthening Nigeria’s rice industry would generate significant multiplier effects, including job creation, improved agricultural productivity, and a more stable domestic food market.
The meeting ended with a shared commitment between the Federal Government and industry stakeholders to deepen cooperation and implement practical solutions aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s rice sector and securing the nation’s food future.