Between April and May this year, Nigeria spent N5.8 billion ($15.2million) on the importation of maize.

This is the market value of the three vessels that berthed at Rivers and Lagos ports with 70,000 metric tonnes of maize. At current global market of maize that has reached $217 per metric ton, this translates to $15.2million.

At the Rivers Port in Port Harcourt, it was gathered, Ocean Glory berthed with 20,000 tons, while Interpid Eagle and Interlink Utility were moored at Lagos Port Complex, Apapa to offload 22,000 tons and 35,000 tons respectively.

It was learnt that manufacturing firms are consuming 60 per cent of the country’s total tonnage to produce corn flakes, malt drink, beer, flour, animal feeds, syrup and dextrose.



Last year, the country imported 300,000 tons to support the country’s domestic production of 7.2million tonnes.

The country, it was learnt, has embraced bio-fortified maize in order to make the cereal and other crops surplus in the country next year.

The Federal Government has said it would collaborate with the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and other research establishments to guarantee that citizens have access to bio-fortified foods.

Maize price was twice what it was exactly one year ago in the country; according to consumer Price Index (CPI).

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Source:http://thenationonlineng.net/nigeria-spends-n5-8b-maize-importation/