Nigeria Receives 50,000 Metric Tons of U.S. Wheat Worth ₦22.3 Billion

By Emmanuel Kwada 

A massive shipment of 50,000 metric tons of U.S.-grown wheat, valued at about $15 million (₦22.3 billion), arrived at Apapa Port today, boosting trade ties but sparking fears it could hurt local farmers. The cargo, bought by Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), one of the country’s top wheat importers, highlights Nigeria’s heavy reliance on foreign grain amid rising demand for bread and pasta.

U.S. Consul General Rick Swart and Agricultural Counselor Chris Bielecki visited the port to watch cranes unload the bulk carrier. “This shipment shows our strong agricultural partnership,” Swart said, noting Nigeria ranks as the third-largest market for U.S. wheat exports.

Bielecki added that 2025 U.S.-Nigeria farm trade is set to top $700 million—more than double last year’s—creating jobs in processing and delivering quality food to consumers.

The import supports American farmers and helps FMN expand production, feeding millions with affordable staples. Wheat makes up 70% of Nigeria’s flour use, mostly for bread. Experts say such deals stabilize prices and ease inflation, with U.S. shipments up 246% to $139.5 million in early 2025.

Yet, critics worry cheap imports will further crush local wheat output. Nigeria produces just 3% of its 5-6 million-ton annual need, down 38% in recent years due to insecurity and better prices for rice or maize.

Farmers in states like Kano and Jigawa say low global prices undercut their yields of only 1.1 tons per hectare. “We need policies to protect homegrown wheat,” said one association leader.

With wheat imports projected at 6.7 million tons for 2025/26—up 7%—the influx aids millers’ profits but highlights the push for self-sufficiency via programs like Anchor Borrowers.