Maize Production in Nigeria

Maize (corn) is Nigeria’s most widely cultivated grain and a backbone of food security, livestock feed, and agro-processing industries.

Introduction

Maize is grown across all agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. It serves as both a staple food and an industrial raw material. It supports poultry feed mills, breweries, flour mills, and household consumption.

Major Producing States

• Kaduna
• Niger
• Benue
• Taraba
• Oyo
• Plateau

Uses of Maize

• Human food (pap, tuwo, corn flour)
• Poultry and livestock feed
• Brewing industry
• Starch and ethanol production

Market Demand

Nigeria’s poultry industry alone consumes millions of tonnes annually, making maize one of the most traded grains on Commodity.ng markets.

Challenges

• Post-harvest losses
• Inadequate storage
• Rising fertilizer costs
• Climate variability

Investment Opportunities

Hybrid seed production, mechanized farming, aggregation centers, and feed milling present strong opportunities for investors.

Maize remains Nigeria’s most strategic grain for food and feed security.