Nigeria may soon start importing yams from China for consumption – Ministry of Agriculture Perm Sec laments
Ernest Umakihe, the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), has warned that Nigeria might soon resort to importing yam from China for local consumption.
Umakihe issued this caution during a stakeholders workshop focused on enhancing yam as an export commodity, under the theme, ‘Prospects and Challenges of Yam Export in Nigeria.’
According to reports from Leadership, Umakihe expressed dismay over Nigeria’s absence in the list of yam-exporting nations, despite the country’s significant contribution of 67% to the global yam output.
He voiced concerns about the potential infiltration of Chinese yam into Nigerian markets due to the country’s penchant for imported goods, which could exacerbate unemployment and diminish the income of local yam farmers.
Umakihe highlighted Nigeria’s previous attempts at yam exportation, citing Nasarawa State Government’s endeavor in 2009, followed by Oyo State, albeit without success. He also criticized the Ministry’s 2017 initiative to revive yam exports, noting its inadequate execution.
“It was only in 2017 that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture under the leadership of Chief Audu Ogbeh, then Minister, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development organised the first flag-off ceremony (of yam) with a batch of 72 tons to UK and USA. I believe these were done without proper planning before the execution. Aside the mentioned attempts, nothing much has been heard of the yam export from Nigeria,” he said.
