By Abdulmalik Adetola Lawal
Rice, a staple food in many parts of the world, belongs to the genus Oryza under the family Poaceae. Two main species dominate global consumption: Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima.
As a monocot, rice can thrive as both an annual and a perennial crop, especially in tropical regions. Asia accounts for the largest percentage of global rice production, but Nigeria is making significant strides in Africa, cultivating both upland and lowland varieties.
Upland rice thrives in non-flooded areas, while lowland rice requires flooded conditions. Commonly grown rice varieties in Nigeria include Faro 44, Nerica 1, Nerica 2, Nerica 4, Nerica 7, and Nerica 8. Nigeria primarily produces white rice, although brown rice is also planted. Both types are predominantly composed of carbohydrates and some protein, with virtually no fat or sugar.
Nigerians consume approximately seven million tonnes of parboiled rice annually, making the country the largest rice producer in Africa.
Nigeria is also one of the world’s largest markets for parboiled rice, with imports and local production averaging $4 billion in consumption annually.
Despite producing 5.4 million metric tonnes of rice in 2022, Nigeria faced a deficit, consuming almost seven million metric tonnes that year. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Nigeria produces around 8.4 million tonnes of rice annually, surpassing other African countries like Egypt, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Mali.
This growth in rice production gained momentum under former President Muhammadu Buhari, whose policies encouraged local rice farming.
Border closures under his administration significantly boosted local production, though they also created distinctions between “local” and “foreign” rice. Over time, improvements in local processing methods blurred these distinctions, with some traders reportedly repackaging local rice as foreign brands due to lingering perceptions about quality.
In January 2022, Nigeria celebrated its rice production achievements with the unveiling of the rice pyramid, a historic initiative inspired by the groundnut pyramids of the 1950s and 1960s.
Built under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme—a collaboration between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN)—the rice pyramid symbolized progress in agricultural self-sufficiency. Featuring 13 pyramids and approximately one million bags of rice, the project garnered widespread attention when launched in Abuja.
The initiative aimed to reassure Nigerians about food security and stabilize rice prices. However, the pyramid’s impact has been questioned. The exhibited rice was largely unmilled, delaying its entry into the market. Meanwhile, rice prices have surged dramatically, with a 50kg bag selling for ₦23,000–₦26,500 in May 2022 but reaching ₦70,000–₦150,000 by September 2024.
Critics argue that the government and RIFAN failed to sustain the initiative or provide updates, leaving Nigeria far from self-sufficiency in rice production. Investments in local production, along with consistent implementation of initiatives like the rice pyramid, are essential to achieving long-term food security and economic stability.
Rice remains a critical economic crop in Nigeria, with the potential to enhance the country’s global standing. Encouraging citizens to buy local rice not only supports farmers but also fosters sustainable agricultural development.
For Nigeria, the success of rice production lies in bridging the gap between production and consumption while ensuring affordability for all.