Nigeria spent $2.34 billion on food imports during 2025, according to Central Bank of Nigeria data nationwide.
Although spending declined from 2024 figures, Nigeria still relied heavily on imported food products throughout 2025.
Rising Food Imports
Meanwhile, food imports accounted for 4.97% of forex utilisation, compared with 9.49% recorded during 2024 nationwide.
Additionally, total foreign exchange utilisation increased sharply from $26.65 billion to $47.17 billion during 2025 nationwide.
Changing Import Demand
Food importers spent $213.11 million during January before demand weakened across following months throughout Nigeria nationwide.
Later, importers reduced spending to $141.13 million during April as economic pressures slowed foreign demand nationwide.
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However, food import demand strengthened again during the second half of 2025 across Nigeria nationwide.
Importers spent $248.60 million during September, marking the highest monthly food spending figure during 2025 nationwide.
Furthermore, importers spent $245.86 million on foreign food products during December across Nigeria nationwide.
Growing Food Concerns
Earlier, analysts reported Nigeria spent ₦7.65 trillion importing food and beverage products during 2025 nationwide.
Meanwhile, National Bureau of Statistics data linked rising imports to domestic demand and agricultural sector challenges nationwide.
Terroso Group CEO Opeoluwa Runsewe warned Nigeria continues “exporting jobs and importing inflation” through imports nationwide.
