Nigerians imported food and beverages worth N1.67 trillion between January and March 2025, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
This figure marks a modest 5% increase from the N1.59 trillion recorded during the same period in 2024. However, it represents a dramatic year-on-year surge of over 125% compared to the N740.10 billion reported in the first quarter of 2023.
The data, published in the NBS Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics Report for Q1 2025, highlights a consistent upward trend in food and beverage imports since 2020. In the first quarter of that year, imports were valued at N419.05 billion, rising to N599.89 billion in Q1 2021, N674.16 billion in Q1 2022, and N740.10 billion in Q1 2023.
The most significant leap occurred between Q1 2023 and Q1 2024, when the value of imports more than doubled, reaching N1.59 trillion. This growth continued into early 2025, with imports rising further to N1.67 trillion.
Although there was a 10.4% drop compared to the N1.87 trillion recorded in Q4 2024, analysts say such a decline is typical of first-quarter trade patterns, often affected by reduced post-holiday demand and slower global shipping activity.
A breakdown of the Q1 2025 imports shows that N730.01 billion worth of goods were classified as primary food products, while N940.95 billion were processed food items — both categories showing significant growth over the years.
Primary food imports increased slightly from N726.76 billion in Q1 2024 to N730.01 billion in Q1 2025, nearly double the N374.95 billion recorded in Q1 2023. Within this category, imports primarily for industrial use fell by over 21%, dropping from N540.11 billion to N425.62 billion. In contrast, primary food imports for household consumption surged by 63%, rising from N186.65 billion to N304.39 billion.
In the processed food category, imports climbed from N865.49 billion in Q1 2024 to N940.95 billion in Q1 2025 — a 9% increase. Compared to N365.15 billion in Q1 2023, this represents a staggering 158% rise. Imports of processed foods for industrial purposes grew to N590.37 billion from N507.21 billion, while those meant for household use declined slightly from N358.27 billion to N350.58 billion.
The NBS data underscores Nigeria’s increasing dependence on imported food, a trend exacerbated by the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, continued naira devaluation, and worsening insecurity in key agricultural zones.
This reliance persists despite government efforts to boost domestic production through programmes like the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme and various initiatives under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.
Earlier, NBS reported that the food inflation rate in April 2025 stood at 21.36% year-on-year, highlighting the ongoing pressure on food prices.
