The Muhammadu Buhari administration on Wednesday barred foreigners from directly buying agricultural produce from Nigerian farmers, instead handing the deal to indigenous middlemen.

“The Federal Executive Council (FEC) today approved a Ban on foreigners and their representatives purchasing agricultural produce at the farm gate. 

“Henceforth, only licensed and duly registered LOCAL buying agents can now buy produce directly from farmers in Nigeria,” the government tweeted through its handle. 

The Presidency, through the Minister of Trade and Industry, Niyi Adebayo, has also directed the attorney general to draft a legislation supporting the new policy. 

“—As part of the FEC approval, the Attorney-General will draft a law that will be sent to NASS to support the implementation of the new Policy.

“—We will also use Commodity Associations, to which the farmers belong, to ensure effective implementation,” the government further said. 

With the policy, the Buhari regime is hoping to tackle challenges of under pricing produce from Nigerian farmers and preventing foreign buyers from branding Nigerian farm produce as made in their countries. 

In October 2021, Mr Buhari blamed middlemen for the rising costs of local foodstuffs, accusing them of creating artificial scarcity.