Nigeria spent a total of N1.4 trillion importing prepared foodstuffs, beverages and vegetable products between July and September 2025, according to newly released data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
A review of Nigeria’s foreign trade statistics for the third quarter of 2025 shows that food-related imports accounted for a substantial portion of goods brought into the country, highlighting Nigeria’s continued dependence on foreign food supplies.
The data revealed that prepared foodstuffs, beverages, spirits and vinegar valued at N748 billion were imported during the period. In addition, vegetable products worth N697 billion were brought into the country within the same three months.
The heavy spending on food imports comes despite repeated government commitments to strengthen local agricultural production. It also coincides with worsening hunger levels, rising food prices and pressure on the naira due to foreign exchange challenges.
Beyond food items, the report showed that live animals and animal products valued at N382 billion were imported during the quarter, while animal and vegetable fats and oils accounted for N140 billion.
Nigeria also recorded significant imports in other sectors. Plastics and rubber products worth N933 billion were imported, while vehicles, aircraft and related parts cost N1.6 trillion. Imports of boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances topped the list at N2.5 trillion.
In addition, textile materials and textile articles valued at N248.3 billion were imported during the same period.
The figures underscore the scale of Nigeria’s import dependence, particularly in essential food items, at a time when inflation and foreign exchange scarcity continue to strain the economy.
Meanwhile, earlier data reviewed from the same NBS report showed that Nigeria spent N827.1 billion on arms and ammunition imports between 2020 and September 2025. Spending on arms rose sharply from N29.2 billion in 2020 to N520 billion in 2024, before declining to N50.2 billion between January and September 2025.
The rising cost of arms imports has raised concerns amid growing insecurity and the proliferation of weapons across the country. In June 2025, the United States warned of increased arms circulation among extremist groups in Nigeria following its withdrawal from Niger Republic.
