Nigeria’s Senate approved legislation Friday to criminalize the export of large quantities of unprocessed corn, responding to mounting food security concerns in Africa’s most populous nation.
The bill, which requires presidential approval to become law, would prohibit corn exports of one metric ton or more, with violations punishable by fines equal to the corn’s value or one year’s imprisonment. The measure aims to address a growing food crisis as the country faces its worst cost-of-living challenges in a generation.
Recent economic reforms by President Bola Tinubu, including currency devaluation and ending fuel subsidies, have intensified inflation and hardship. The weakened naira has encouraged informal exports of staple crops to neighboring countries where the West African CFA franc offers better returns.
A joint report by Nigeria’s government and the United Nations projects more than 30 million Nigerians will face food insecurity next year, a one-third increase from current levels. The United States Department of Agriculture estimates Nigeria’s annual corn consumption at 12 million metric tons, with imports of about 100,000 metric tons. Exports are forecast to reach 75,000 metric tons in 2024/25, up from 50,000 metric tons in 2023/24.
Corn serves as both a dietary staple and vital ingredient in animal feed, beverages, and processed flour across Nigeria.
