March 10, (THEWILL) — Nigeria’s biggest brewing company, Nigerian Breweries, has begun testing the cultivation of locally grown barley as part of a strategy to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imported brewing inputs.
The company showcased the results of its pilot barley farming programme during the Maltina Barley Field Day held in Ringim, Jigawa State, marking a major step toward building a domestic supply chain for the key brewing ingredient.
Nigeria currently imports about 200,000 tonnes of malted barley each year for beer and malt drink production, costing the country roughly $150 million annually, according to industry estimates.
Through the pilot initiative, more than 1,000 smallholder farmers cultivated barley during the current growing season, producing an expected output of over 1,000 tonnes. Farmers participating in the programme received improved seeds, fertilisers and mechanised farming services, while the brewer guaranteed to purchase the harvest to ensure market stability.
The project is the outcome of several years of research conducted with institutions, including the Lake Chad Research Institute and Secobra Research, aimed at adapting barley to the climate and soil conditions of northern Nigeria. Three climate-adapted varieties, Traveller, Explorer and Prunella, were registered by the National Agricultural Seed Council in 2024.
According to the company’s leadership, expanding barley production locally could transform Nigeria’s brewing supply chain while also creating new income opportunities for farmers. A joint study by development partners identified over 400,000 hectares of land across states such as Jigawa, Bauchi, Kano, Plateau and Yobe as suitable for barley cultivation.
Industry observers say the initiative aligns with a broader push by manufacturers to localise raw material sourcing amid foreign exchange pressures. By scaling domestic barley production, brewers could cut import costs, strengthen agricultural value chains and reduce exposure to currency volatility.
Looking ahead, Nigerian Breweries plans to expand the programme to include around 20,000 farmers by 2030, positioning barley as a viable new crop within Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem.
If successful, the initiative could significantly reduce Nigeria’s barley import bill while boosting rural livelihoods and strengthening the country’s drive toward agricultural self-sufficiency.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
