Nigeria secures a 32-ton rice shipment from Thailand, offering short-term relief as the nation faces escalating food insecurity and inflation.
In a bid to address the worsening hunger crisis and food insecurity, Nigeria has received a 32-ton shipment of rice from Thailand, marking the first delivery of its kind in a decade.
The shipment arrived in Lagos and was facilitated by DUCAT, a logistics company, following Nigeria’s recent decision to allow duty-free imports of critical food items, including rice, wheat, and corn.
According to DUCAT CEO Adrian Beciri, “Nigeria has been working hard to strengthen its food supply accessibility.”
This comes as food inflation soars, reaching its highest level in three decades, exacerbating hardships for a population where nearly half live in extreme poverty.
The federal government, led by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Abubakar Kyari, has introduced several measures to combat the crisis, including a 180-day window for duty-free imports of key food items and recommended retail prices for imported food to control costs.
Key Measures to Address Food Inflation:
A 150-day duty-free window for importing essential crops like maize and rice, initiated in July 2024.
Plans to import 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and maize to replenish the strategic grain reserve.
Implementation of a Guaranteed Minimum Price (GMP) for critical commodities to stabilize market prices.
Support for smallholder farmers to boost production for the 2024/2025 season.
Despite these efforts, the government’s policies have faced criticism. Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, cautioned that reliance on food imports could undermine Nigeria’s agricultural sector and economic stability.
The current food crisis is further compounded by sweeping economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, including the naira devaluation and increased electricity tariffs, which have driven food inflation to unprecedented levels.
As Nigeria battles these challenges, the shipment of rice from Thailand provides some immediate relief, but experts emphasize the need for long-term strategies to ensure food security and economic resilience.
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