Nigeria’s Senate has approved a bill to criminalize large-scale exports of unprocessed corn in a bid to combat the nation’s deepening hunger crisis, according to documents reviewed by Reuters.
The legislation, which awaits presidential assent to become law, would impose penalties on violators, including fines equivalent to the value of the corn or up to a year in prison. It targets unprocessed corn exports exceeding one metric ton, a step lawmakers say is critical to ensuring food security.
The move comes as Africa’s most populous nation battles its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades. Economic pressures have intensified following austerity measures introduced by President Bola Tinubu, including the removal of a long-standing petrol subsidy and the devaluation of the naira currency. These reforms have driven inflation and exacerbated hardship for millions.
Nigeria’s weak currency has also fueled informal exports of staple crops like corn, rice, and sorghum to neighboring countries, where traders capitalize on exchange rate disparities with the West African CFA franc. Corn, a dietary staple in Nigeria, is also vital for producing animal feed, beverages, and processed flour.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects Nigeria’s corn exports to increase to 75,000 metric tons in 2024/25 from 50,000 metric tons this year, even as domestic demand far outpaces supply. Nigeria consumes an estimated 12 million metric tons of corn annually, with imports accounting for about 100,000 metric tons.
Food insecurity is a growing concern, with a joint report by Nigeria’s government and the United Nations warning that over 30 million Nigerians could face food shortages in 2024, marking a 33% increase from this year.
If enacted, the Senate’s measure aims to curb exports and redirect resources to address the country’s food needs. However, analysts caution that enforcement challenges and economic pressures may complicate its impact.