Africa report 05/96 Individual countries

NIGERIA

Area:	911 000 sq.km
Climate:	Mostly tropical wet-dry, south-west tropical wet, extreme north semi-arid
Population:	123 million (1995 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 280 (1994)
Specific characteristics of the country:	Low-income food-deficit country; coastal country
Logistics:	Ports adequate, roads inadequate during rainy season
Major foodcrops:	Roots and tubers, coarse grains, rice
Marketing year:	July/June; Lean season: April-May
Share of cereals in total calorie intake:	43 percent

CURRENT SITUATION

In the south, light but widespread rainfall started in mid February. Precipitation increased during the second week of March. Land preparation has begun for millet, sorghum, rice and the first maize crop. Seasonal dry conditions prevail in northern and central areas of the country. Reflecting favourable growing conditions, 1995 aggregate cereal production is estimated at about 13.3 million tons (including paddy), which is slightly above average. This was achieved despite a government ban on fertilizer imports.Following a good harvest, the food supply situation is satisfactory and markets are well supplied. The country imports substantial quantities of wheat and rice. For the 1995/96 marketing year (July/June), the cereal import requirement is estimated at about 0.9 million tons.

CEREAL SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE FOR THE 1995/96 MARKETING YEAR (in thousand tons)

	Wheat	Rice	Coarse grains	Total
Normal production	48	2 050	11 500	13 598
Normal imports (incl. re-exports)	700	300	75	1 075
of which: Structural food aid	-	-	-	-
1995/96 Domestic availability	135	1 802	10 540	12 477
1995 Production	35	1 752	10 340	12 127
Possible stock drawdown	100	50	200	350
1995/96 Utilization	735	1 952	10 710	13 397
Food use	714	1 202	8 846	10 762
Non-food use	21	750	1 764	2 535
Exports	-	-	100	100
1995/96 Import Requirement	600	250	70	920
Anticipated commercial imports	600	250	70	920
Food aid needs	-	-	-	-
Current Aid Position
Food aid pledges	-	-	-	-
of which: Delivered	-	-	-	-
Estimated per caput consumption (kg/year)	6	11	79	96
Indexes
1995 production as % of normal:				89
1995/96 import requirement as % of normal:				86
1995/96 food aid requirement as % of normal:				-

FAO/GIEWS - April 1996