The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to protect Nigeria’s rice industry as rising smuggling activities continue to undermine local production and threaten national food security.
The Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, disclosed this on Monday during a high-level meeting with the Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN) in Abuja, where both parties examined challenges affecting Nigeria’s rice value chain and explored policy solutions to strengthen local production.
Speaking at the meeting, Enoh said sustainable growth in the rice sector would require stronger collaboration between government, industry operators and private sector partners.
According to him, the administration remains committed to policies that will support domestic processors, ensure stable rice supply across the country and keep prices affordable for consumers.
“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.
He warned that the increasing influx of cheaper foreign rice especially through illegal channels posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s agricultural and industrial progress.
Enoh explained that when imported or smuggled rice is sold at prices far lower than locally processed rice, it discourages investment in the sector and weakens the country’s push toward self-sufficiency in rice production.
He added that the government would not hesitate to implement policy measures aimed at protecting local industry and sustaining the rice value chain.
The minister also called on industry stakeholders to provide credible data that would help government develop effective policies capable of addressing the sector’s challenges.
He stressed that rice remained one of Nigeria’s most widely consumed staple foods and plays a strategic role in ensuring national stability.
“A strong rice sector is vital for food security, job creation and economic growth,” Enoh said.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Rice Processors Association of Nigeria, Dr Andy Ekwelem, highlighted the scale of the crisis facing the industry, particularly the impact of large-scale rice smuggling through Nigeria’s land borders.
According to him, rice entering the country illegally avoided duties and levies, making it significantly cheaper than locally processed rice and putting domestic millers at a severe disadvantage.
He revealed that the consequences have been severe for the industry.
Out of more than 150 rice mills across the country, nearly 90 have shut down operations, while the remaining mills are operating at between 30 and 70 per cent of their installed capacity.
Despite these challenges, Ekwelem said the sector remains a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy, providing direct employment for over 100,000 people including graduates and women and supporting more than 10 million farmers along the agricultural value chain.
He added that farmers and processors are also grappling with rising production costs, insecurity in farming communities and inadequate infrastructure.
According to him, many farmers are now forced to sell their produce at a loss due to the pressure created by the influx of cheaper smuggled rice.
Ekwelem also noted that the recent decline in rice prices recorded in some markets was largely driven by organized smuggling networks flooding the market with illegally imported rice rather than increased domestic production.
Stakeholders at the meeting called for stronger border enforcement and tougher measures to curb illegal rice imports.
They argued that reducing smuggling would allow local mills to expand operations, encourage farmers to increase production and generate broader economic benefits across Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Participants agreed that strengthening the rice industry could create significant multiplier effects, including job creation, improved agricultural productivity and a more stable domestic food market.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by both the Federal Government and industry stakeholders to deepen cooperation and implement practical measures aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s rice sector and securing the nation’s food supply.
