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Nigeria Sets Ambitious Goal For 70% Wheat Self-Sufficiency
Nigeria Sets Ambitious Goal For 70% Wheat Self-Sufficiency....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Nigeria has achieved approximately 10 per cent self-sufficiency in wheat production, with ambitious plans to reach 70 per cent in the next five years.
Former executive director of the Lake Chad Research Institute, Dr. Oluwasina Olabanji shared insights on Nigeria’s journey toward wheat self-sufficiency at the ongoing West and Central Africa Wheat Collaborative Network Wheat second regional summit in Abuja on Wednesday.
Olabanji highlighted the historical context of wheat production in Africa, stating, “Wheat is a staple crop worldwide; almost everyone consumes it in some form every day. This highlights its significance in the global economy. However, we in Africa have historically neglected to prioritize wheat as an important crop, which has led to our ongoing struggles with self-sufficiency in production.”
Underlining the efforts made to bolster wheat production, he expressed gratitude for interventions from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico and the African Development Bank. “Central and West African countries are increasingly recognizing the importance of wheat in our sub-region,” he noted.
According to Olabanji, a key milestone in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation came with the Agricultural Transformation Agenda, which saw national wheat production rise dramatically.
“Let me share a case study from Nigeria: before our Agricultural Transformation Agenda, national wheat production stood at just 70,000 metric tons. Thanks to this agenda, our production soared to 450,000 metric tons in just three years, with productivity rising from 1.5 to 2.5 tons per hectare. With further interventions from AFDB through the TAAT projects, Nigeria has now achieved approximately 10 per cent self-sufficiency in wheat production,” he said.
Despite the progress, Olabanji emphasised the potential for even greater achievements.
“We believe we could have reached 70 per cent self-sufficiency by now if not for policy summersaults,” he said.
He also praised the WECA Wheat initiative, which has brought together scientists to enhance wheat productivity, producing high-yield varieties like Bulog 100 and Noma, which average yields of 4.5 to 6 tonnes per hectare.
He noted that the Nigerian government has demonstrated its commitment to achieving self-sufficiency, with substantial acreage dedicated to wheat cultivation.
“Through the National Agricultural Growth Scheme, supported by AFDB, we cultivated approximately 250,000 hectares of wheat last season. Looking ahead to 2024-2025, we plan to cultivate another 250,000 hectares across the 16 states,” Olabanji stated.
He outlined future ambitions, “With the strategy document we’ve prepared, we aim to increase production to 500,000 hectares next season. If we achieve an average yield of 3.5 tonnes per hectare, I am confident that Nigeria will attain 70 per cent self-sufficiency in wheat production within the next five years.”
Value chain specialist and country engagement officer at TAAT, Dr. Toyin Adetunji also spoke about broader regional efforts, emphasising the African Development Bank’s Feed Africa initiative.
“Our goal is to increase productivity by 120 million metric tons and reach 40 million farmers across Africa,” she said.
Highlighting successful case studies from other African nations, she noted, “We’ve seen success in countries like Sudan, which moved from 22 per cent to 55 per cent self-sufficiency, and Ethiopia, which reached 100 per cent with potential for export.”
Adetunji pointed out that strong government support and effective policies were key drivers of these successes.
In light of recent global challenges, particularly the Russian-Ukraine war, both Olabanji and Adetunji underscored the urgency for African nations to achieve wheat self-sufficiency.
“The African Development Bank provided $1.5bn to support agricultural development, with $134m allocated to Nigeria,” Adetunji affirmed, reiterating the commitment to assist West and Central African countries in their wheat transformation journey.
She noted that as Nigeria positions itself on the path to increased wheat production, the focus remains on collaboration, innovation, and policy reform to unlock the region’s agricultural potential.
The future of Nigeria’s Naira-for-Crude policy remains in limbo as negotiations continue between the Nigerian government and Dangote Refinery. The six-month agreement between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery expired on March 31, 2025, without a renewal, leading to the suspension of the refinery’s sale of refined petroleum products in Naira. However, the refinery has continued processing approximately 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily, with 35% of the crude sourced from international markets, particularly Brazil and Equatorial Guinea.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Although the policy’s future is still under review, sources suggest that its economic implications, especially concerning fuel prices and foreign exchange rates, make it crucial to the national economy. Despite challenges in crude supply from NNPC, Dangote Refinery has expanded its global sourcing and is currently sourcing crude from Brazil’s Petrobras and Equatorial Guinea.
No official agreement has been reached yet to extend the Naira-for-Crude deal. The Nigerian government’s committee in charge of the policy is waiting for recommendations from the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission before proceeding. Meanwhile, the refinery’s management has expressed uncertainty regarding the renewal of the deal, citing concerns over the financial strain and volatility of exchange rates. The future of the policy remains unclear, with NNPC expected to supply crude oil to Dangote Refinery in April, but payment terms are yet to be finalized.
The price of cement, a vital resource for Nigeria’s construction industry, has witnessed significant changes recently, with rates fluctuating depending on brand, location, and market factors. Here is an overview of the current prices for some leading cement brands:....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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Dangote Cement: The cost of a 50kg bag of Dangote Cement ranges between ₦8,000 and ₦10,300. Known for its high quality, Dangote Cement remains a preferred choice in various construction projects. Prices are generally lower in areas near production plants but tend to rise in regions requiring extensive distribution.
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BUA Cement: Priced between ₦8,000 and ₦8,500 per 50kg bag, BUA Cement is popular among builders due to its competitive pricing and stability. Prices may vary slightly depending on proximity to manufacturing sites.
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Lafarge Water Shield Cement: Priced at ₦20,000 per 50kg bag, this cement variant is specifically formulated for durability and resistance to moisture, making it ideal for projects in damp environments.
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Waterproof Cement JK: Available at ₦15,000 per 50kg bag, Waterproof Cement JK is engineered to offer exceptional protection against water ingress, particularly useful for wet construction sites.
Over the past year, cement prices in Nigeria have surged significantly. At the start of 2024, a 50kg bag cost around ₦4,500. By November 2024, the price rose to about ₦8,500, reflecting an increase of approximately 89%. This upward trend is attributed to factors such as rising production costs, increased demand, and logistical challenges.
Marketers predict a potential further increase in cement prices, emphasizing the need for stakeholders in the construction sector to stay informed and plan accordingly.
A recent survey conducted by Naija News has revealed a notable decrease in the price of cooking gas in Nigeria, offering much-needed relief to households and small businesses. According to the survey, the cost of refilling cooking gas per kilogram has reduced significantly from ₦1,350 to ₦1,020.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
This positive development is expected to ease the financial burden on Nigerian families and small enterprises, especially those that heavily depend on cooking gas as a primary energy source. The survey, encompassing gas stations and vendors from various parts of the country, shows that the reduced price may help lower the overall cost of living.
The revised price breakdown is as follows:
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1 kg of Cooking Gas: ₦1,020
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3 kg of Cooking Gas: ₦3,060
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5 kg of Cooking Gas: ₦5,100
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10 kg of Cooking Gas: ₦10,200
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12.5 kg of Cooking Gas: ₦12,750
This decline marks a significant shift from the previous upward trend in gas prices and is likely to positively impact the economy, particularly the food and hospitality sectors. Businesses that rely on cooking gas will experience reduced operational costs, ultimately boosting their profit margins.
Experts attribute the drop in cooking gas prices to several factors, including fluctuations in global energy costs and adjustments within local supply chains. Despite recent variations in crude oil and natural gas prices, the reduction is perceived as a welcome development for Nigerian consumers.
By spending less on cooking gas, households and small businesses will now see some financial relief in their monthly budgets, especially during these economically challenging times.
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