Perm Sec Laments Possibility of Nigerians to Start Importing Yam from China

Nigeria may soon have to import yam for local consumption from China, according to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Ernest Umakihe.

Umakihe made this statement during a stakeholders workshop focused on repositioning yam as an export crop.
He expressed disappointment that despite Nigeria accounting for 67% of global yam output, the country is not among the list of yam exporting nations.

Umakihe voiced concerns about the possibility of Chinese yam entering Nigerian kitchens due to China’s increasing involvement in yam exportation, combined with Nigerians’ preference for imported goods.

He warned that if not addressed, this trend could lead to more Nigerians entering the unemployment market and reduce the income of yam farmers.

Umakihe mentioned that Nigeria’s initial attempt at yam exportation was by the Nasarawa State Government in 2009, exporting 8.5 metric tonnes, followed by another 66 metric tonnes in two shipments within the same month. Oyo State also attempted but without success.

He further stated that the Ministry’s effort to revive yam export in 2017 was poorly managed.

Umakihe criticized the lack of proper planning in previous export initiatives, noting that the only significant effort was in 2017 when the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, under the leadership of Chief Audu Ogbeh, organized the first flag-off ceremony of yam, sending a batch of 72 tons to the UK and USA.

Regarding the workshop’s theme, ‘Prospects and Challenges of Yam Export in Nigeria,’ Umakihe emphasized the importance of identifying past mistakes and finding solutions.