Nigeria Targets 2.7 Million Metric Tonnes Cereal Production Boost by 2034, Driving Food Security
Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria is on track to significantly boost its cereal production by an estimated 2.7 million metric tonnes over the next decade, with a target set for 2034. This ambitious growth is primarily fueled by increasing domestic demand for staple foods and consistent improvements in agricultural yields, according to the latest OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025–2034 report.
The report highlights Nigeria, alongside India and Ethiopia, as a key player in the global surge in cereal production. This growth is largely attributed to the continued reliance on staple crops and the critical need to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding population.
Beyond domestic consumption, Nigeria's rising incomes and a growing demand for animal feed, particularly from Asia, are also contributing factors. For instance, maize is projected to see 50 percent of its total consumption dedicated to feed, signaling a significant expansion in Nigeria's livestock sector.
Despite this positive trajectory, the report cautions against potential hurdles, including volatile global commodity prices, macroeconomic instabilities like inflation and fluctuating exchange rates, and environmental challenges such as extreme weather events. The emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices is paramount to reducing the carbon footprint of production, with anticipated productivity gains expected to lower greenhouse gas emissions in Nigeria.
The outlook also underscores the vital role of international trade in bolstering food security. Projections indicate a 55 percent increase in net imports of basic food commodities for Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, by 2034. While this highlights a growing dependence on global markets, trade can also foster sustainability by reallocating production to more efficient regions.
