Maize flour and cereals market in Nigeria

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of the maize flour and cereals market in Nigeria increased from approximately 6.4 million tons in 2018 to 6.6 million tons in 2023. Growth was recorded in 2019 and 2020, reaching 6.7 million tons, before a contraction in 2021 brought the market down to 6.4 million tons. The following two years saw a gradual recovery, with the market rising to 6.5 million tons in 2022 and 6.6 million tons in 2023.

In 2024, the government approved the commercial release of four genetically engineered maize varieties that are insect-resistant and drought-tolerant, a measure designed to improve productivity and support larger harvests. Additionally, a temporary export ban on basic food commodities, including maize, was imposed in May 2024, restricting overseas sales and thereby increasing the supply available for domestic consumption and processing.

Production maize flour and cereals in Nigeria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Nigeria held the 5th position globally in maize flour and cereals production.

Top producers of maize flour and cereals, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize flour and cereals, 2017-2020

Maize flour and cereals production in Nigeria increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Nigeria produced 6 701 K t of maize flour and cereals, showing a slight improvement of 2.8% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, production grew by 2.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 6 387 K t, which also marked the largest decline of 2.4% during this period.

Annual dynamics of production in Nigeria in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports maize flour and cereals from Nigeria

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. The lowest exports were recorded in 2017, while the highest volume was reached in 2020, with a 331-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Nigeria's maize flour and cereals exports amounted to 3 131 t, representing a sharp increase of 5 402.6% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 44.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Nigeria in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Ghana dominated Nigeria's maize flour and cereals exports in kind, accounting for 94.6% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Nigeria in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed volatility during the observed period. The lowest exports in value terms were recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 74 times. In 2020, Nigeria's maize flour and cereals exports reached 520 K $ US, indicating a dramatic gain of 1 506.0% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was in 2019, with a decrease of 36.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Nigeria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Ghana played a leading role in Nigeria's maize flour and cereals exports in value terms, holding an 84.1% share of total flows, while the remainder was distributed among other partners.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Nigeria in value, 2017-2020

Imports maize flour and cereals to Nigeria

Imports in kind, t

Imported maize flour and cereals volumes in Nigeria increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Nigeria imported a total of {value_last_year} t of maize flour and cereals, marking an increase of 176.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports grew by 228.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 48.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Nigeria in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey (41.0% of imports in kind), India (19.1% of imports in kind), and China (18.7% of imports in kind) were the principal suppliers of maize flour and cereals to Nigeria, jointly accounting for 78.8% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Nigeria in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Nigeria's volume of maize flour and cereals imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Nigeria imported 20 800 K $ US of maize flour and cereals, reflecting a dramatic gain of 180.0% relative to the prior year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 412.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 72.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Nigeria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, the three largest markets—China, Turkey, and India—remained central to Nigeria's imports in value terms, together accounting for 69.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Nigeria in value, 2017-2020