Nigeria is facing a widening rice supply gap as the country consumes about 8.6 million metric tonnes annually but produces only 3.3 million tonnes locally, leaving a staggering deficit of 5.3 million tonnes.

The Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Abdulateef Shittu, disclosed the figures on Wednesday in Abuja during the launch of the Northwest Rice Diagnostic Report.

According to reports by The Sun and Punch Newspapers, Shittu warned that the situation could become more challenging, with national rice consumption projected to rise to 9.1 million metric tonnes next year.

He identified inconsistent government policies, inadequate financing, poor agricultural data and insecurity as major obstacles preventing Nigeria from achieving higher rice production.

Shittu, however, maintained that Nigeria has the land and resources needed to become a major rice exporter if governments coordinate their efforts and provide sustained support to farmers.

Meanwhile, stakeholders in the rice industry have called for improved access to finance, modern farming equipment, quality agricultural inputs and better security in farming communities.

The development has renewed concerns over Nigeria’s ability to meet its growing demand for rice without depending heavily on imports.