Nigeria: fear of a food crisis because of the war in Ukraine

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, here in 2021, worries about the consequences of the war in Ukraine on wheat prices and the risk of a food crisis.

© Ahmed Abba/RFI

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

After Covid-19, the Russian invasion of Ukraine poses a serious threat to the agricultural sector and the food security of millions of people in Nigeria, particularly in the Lake Chad basin, affected for more than a decade by the Boko Haram insurgency. .

Several players in the food sector raised their concerns this week in Lagos, at their annual forum.

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With our correspondent in Lagos,

Liza Fabbian

Nigeria could face an “ 

imminent

 ” food crisis, potentially “

 as early as June

 ”.

In any case, this is what businessman Aliko Dangote said this week in Lagos.

At the moment, there are people who export maize to earn foreign currency, and I think we have to stop that 

," explained the Nigerian billionaire, who is proposing to the government to ban exports, in order to promote domestic production.

Nigeria, a major producer... and importer

These declarations have been relayed a lot in Nigeria, where we know well the influence of Aliko Dangote on these subjects.

Nigeria is Africa's second largest maize producer, but demand continues to outstrip supply in the country.

Nigeria also imported 98% of its wheat in 2020/2021, a commodity whose prices are currently exploding.

Aliko Dangote also warned of a possible shortage of fertilizers, which could cause prices to jump and worsen inflation on food products which already amounted to more than 17% in 2021.

►Also read: War in Ukraine: "Food prices could increase by 8 to 20%"

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