Top Corn Importers in Nigeria 2026
Why Nigeria is a Key Corn Import Market
Nigeria's corn market is driven by two key sectors: flour milling and animal feed production. The country's population of over 220 million — the largest in Africa — creates sustained demand for grain-based food products, while a rapidly growing poultry and livestock industry drives feed demand.
Domestic corn production stands at approximately 12 million MT annually, but consumption consistently exceeds supply, creating a structural import requirement. Brazil, as the world's second-largest corn exporter, is well-positioned to supply Nigeria's deficit.
"Nigeria set to boost corn and wheat imports in 2025/26 — the milling sector remains heavily reliant on imported grain to meet domestic demand." — Milling MEA Magazine, September 2025
Nigeria's Corn Market — Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual corn production | ~12 million MT |
| Annual corn imports | 500,000–1,000,000 MT |
| Primary use | Animal feed (60%), food processing (30%), starch (10%) |
| Key entry ports | Lagos (Apapa), Tin Can Island, Port Harcourt |
| Main suppliers | Brazil, Argentina, Ukraine, USA |
| Standard specification | Yellow corn, moisture max 14%, aflatoxin max 10 ppb |
Top 10 Corn Importers and Buyers in Nigeria
Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) — Golden Penny
Flour MillingThe largest agro-allied conglomerate in Nigeria with revenue of ₦2.3 trillion ($1.6 billion) in 2023/24. FMN controls 32% of Nigeria's flour milling market and operates 50,000 hectares of agricultural holdings in maize, soya and other crops. A major corn buyer for its animal feed and food processing divisions. Its flagship brand is Golden Penny.
Olam Nigeria
AgribusinessThe Nigerian subsidiary of Olam International, one of the world's largest agribusiness companies. Olam controls approximately 24% of Nigeria's flour milling market and is an active importer of corn and other grains for its integrated supply chain operations across West Africa.
Dangote Industries — Dangote Flour Mills
ConglomeratePart of the Dangote Group — Nigeria's largest conglomerate. Dangote Flour Mills operates wheat and corn processing facilities across Nigeria with total installed capacity of 5,000 MT per day. Active procurement of imported corn for feed and food processing. Strong procurement network with direct supplier relationships.
BUA Foods
Flour MillingOne of Nigeria's fastest-growing FMCG companies, BUA Foods is a major grain processor and importer. The company operates flour mills, sugar refineries and edible oil plants, with strong procurement capability for corn and other agricultural commodities.
Charghoury Group (Crown Flour Mill)
Flour MillingCrown Flour Mill has been in the wheat and corn milling business in Nigeria for over four decades. Incorporated in 1971, it holds approximately 11% of Nigeria's flour milling market. Active importer of corn for its integrated milling and feed operations.
Chi Farms (Leventis Group)
Animal FeedOne of Nigeria's largest integrated poultry and feed companies. Chi Farms requires significant volumes of corn annually for its animal feed operations, making it a consistent buyer of imported corn when domestic supply is tight or prices are elevated.
Obasanjo Farms Nigeria
Animal FeedA major integrated agricultural company with significant poultry, pig and fish farming operations. Obasanjo Farms is a consistent buyer of corn for animal feed production, with procurement reaching hundreds of thousands of MT annually across its Nigerian operations.
CHANCO Impex Ltd
TradingOne of the most active corn importers in Nigeria by shipment volume, with over 65 recorded import shipments. CHANCO Impex is a commodity trading company specialising in grain imports for distribution to food processors and feed manufacturers across Nigeria.
Nigerian Starch Mills
StarchA dedicated corn starch manufacturer, Nigerian Starch Mills is one of the largest industrial buyers of corn in Nigeria. The company produces corn starch, glucose, dextrose and other corn derivatives for the food, pharmaceutical and industrial sectors.
Honeywell Flour Mills
Flour MillingNow part of the FMN Group following the 2021 acquisition, Honeywell Flour Mills previously controlled approximately 10% of Nigeria's milling market. Its operations contribute to FMN's combined 42% market share in grain processing and import procurement.
Corn Import Specifications — Nigeria
| Parameter | Standard Requirement |
|---|---|
| Type | Yellow corn (maize) |
| Moisture | Maximum 14% |
| Aflatoxin | Maximum 10 ppb (strict enforcement) |
| Foreign matter | Maximum 2% |
| Broken grains | Maximum 6% |
| Minimum test weight | 72 kg/hl |
| GMO status | GMO accepted (no restrictions) |
| Packaging | Bulk (preferred for large volumes) |
How to Sell Corn to Nigerian Buyers
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1Aflatoxin compliance is criticalNigeria's NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration) enforces strict aflatoxin limits. Shipments exceeding 10 ppb will be rejected. Always provide an independent aflatoxin test certificate from an accredited laboratory (SGS, Bureau Veritas).
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2Port logistics matterLagos (Apapa and Tin Can Island) handle the majority of grain imports. Congestion is common — build additional time into your logistics planning and ensure your buyer has confirmed port clearance capability before shipping.
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3Payment termsLarge Nigerian grain companies typically use Letter of Credit (LC) at sight or 30 days. Smaller traders may prefer TT with advance. For first transactions, insist on LC.
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4Contact procurement directlyNigerian grain companies have dedicated procurement teams. The decision maker is typically the Procurement Manager or Head of Raw Materials. Generic approaches to info@ emails rarely receive responses.
Find Verified Corn Buyers in Nigeria
Braziltrad has identified and verified procurement contacts at corn importers and grain processors across Nigeria and West Africa. Get direct email and WhatsApp access to decision-makers — no intermediaries.
Find Nigerian Corn Buyers →Frequently Asked Questions
Does Brazil export corn to Nigeria?
Yes. Brazil is one of the world's top corn exporters and supplies Nigeria alongside Argentina and Ukraine. Brazilian yellow corn meets Nigerian import specifications and is price-competitive due to Brazil's large export volumes and efficient port infrastructure.
What is the transit time from Brazil to Nigeria?
Approximately 15–20 days from Santos or Paranaguá (Brazil) to Apapa (Lagos, Nigeria), depending on routing and vessel schedule.
What documentation is required to export corn to Nigeria?
Key documents include: Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, Quality Analysis (including aflatoxin test), Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice and Packing List. NAFDAC import permit may be required depending on end use.
How do I find corn procurement contacts at Nigerian companies?
Braziltrad provides verified procurement contacts for grain buyers across Nigeria and West Africa — including direct email and WhatsApp contacts for decision-makers at the companies listed above.