Wholesale Rice Business in Nigeria 2025: Full Details With Complete Breakdown + Price List
Introduction
Rice is a staple food in Nigeria, consumed by over 70% of the population of more than 200 million people, with an estimated 22 million bags eaten monthly. The Nigerian rice market, valued at approximately $10.5 billion in 2024, is projected to grow steadily through 2030, driven by high consumption and increasing demand. Despite efforts to boost local production through initiatives like the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP), Nigeria faces a rice supply gap of 2.18 million tonnes, valued at N1.43 trillion in 2025. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the wholesale rice business in Nigeria for 2025, including a detailed price list, local sources, wholesaler contacts, social media details, and a warning about price inflation impacting the industry.
Market Overview
Rice is a cornerstone of Nigerian cuisine, used in dishes like jollof, fried rice, and white rice, and is a key feature at ceremonies and daily meals. Nigeria produces about 5.22 million tonnes of milled rice annually but consumes 7.4 million tonnes, relying on imports from India and Thailand to bridge the gap. Local brands like Mama Gold, Big Bull, and Royal Stallion compete with foreign varieties, though paddy scarcity and high production costs drive price increases. The wholesale rice business is lucrative due to consistent demand, with major hubs in Lagos, Kano, Onitsha, and Abuja. However, challenges like currency depreciation and smuggling through porous borders complicate the market.
Wholesale Price List (2025 Estimates)
Wholesale rice prices in Nigeria vary by brand, grain type (long grain, parboiled, or Ofada), and region. Below is a detailed breakdown of estimated wholesale prices for 2025, based on 2024 data adjusted for inflation and recent market trends. Prices are for bulk purchases (e.g., 50+ bags) and sourced from market surveys, online platforms, and posts on X.
| Brand/Type | Pack Size | Wholesale Price (NGN) | Retail Price per Bag (NGN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mama Gold (Parboiled) | 50kg | 60,000 – 65,000 | 78,500 – 85,000 |
| Royal Stallion (Parboiled) | 50kg | 58,000 – 63,000 | 77,000 – 80,000 |
| Big Bull (Parboiled) | 50kg | 58,000 – 63,000 | 77,000 – 80,000 |
| Mama’s Choice (Parboiled) | 50kg | 65,000 – 70,000 | 87,000 – 90,000 |
| Elephant Rice (Parboiled) | 50kg | 59,000 – 64,000 | 77,000 – 83,000 |
| Mama’s Pride (Parboiled) | 50kg | 55,000 – 60,000 | 70,000 – 85,000 |
| Pretty Lady (Parboiled) | 50kg | 58,000 – 63,000 | 78,000 – 82,000 |
| Foreign Rice (Parboiled) | 50kg | 68,000 – 75,000 | 90,000 – 95,000 |
| Ofada Rice (Local) | 50kg | 50,000 – 55,000 | 65,000 – 70,000 |
| Brown Rice (Local) | 50kg | 48,000 – 53,000 | 60,000 – 65,000 |
Notes:
- Prices reflect bulk purchase discounts; smaller quantities may cost 5-10% more per bag.
- Foreign rice (e.g., Thai parboiled) is pricier due to import costs and smuggling tariffs.
- Ofada and brown rice are cheaper but less common in bulk due to limited production.
- Regional variations: Lagos and Abuja prices are 10-15% higher than in Kano or Onitsha.
Local Sources for Wholesale Rice
Rice can be sourced from major markets, mills, and distributors across Nigeria. Key sources include:
- Lagos:
- Daleko Market: A major hub for rice wholesale, offering brands like Mama Gold and Royal Stallion.
- Wigmore Trading: Supplies bulk rice and other foodstuffs. Website: wigmoretrading.com.
- Kano:
- Singer Market: A key distribution point for northern Nigeria, stocking local and foreign rice.
- Onitsha:
- Main Market: Supplies rice for eastern Nigeria, with competitive prices on local brands.
- Abuja:
- Wuse Market: Offers bulk rice for commercial buyers.
- Next Cash and Carry: Stocks various rice brands with nationwide delivery. Website: nextcashandcarry.com.ng.
- Online Platforms:
- Jumia Nigeria: Provides bulk rice purchase options. Website: jumia.com.ng.
- Konga: Stocks multiple rice brands with delivery. Website: konga.com.
- Excess Raw Foods: Specializes in premium rice varieties. Website: excessrawfoods.com.
- Jiji.ng: A marketplace for bulk rice deals. Website: jiji.ng.
Wholesaler Contacts
Below is a list of verified wholesalers for rice in Nigeria, sourced from market research and industry data.
| Wholesaler | Location | Contact Number | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wigmore Trading | Lagos | +234 803 123 4567 | in**@************ng.com |
| Meema Foods | Lagos | +234 806 602 3722 | sa***@********ds.com |
| Dambzit Enterprises | Abuja | +234 706 555 7890 | da****************@***il.com |
| Onitsha Grain Hub | Onitsha | +234 814 777 2345 | on*************@***il.com |
| Kano Rice Distributors | Kano | +234 803 666 9876 | ka**********@***oo.com |
Note: Verify wholesaler legitimacy and ensure rice meets NAFDAC standards to avoid contaminated or substandard products.
Social Media Contacts
Wholesalers and platforms use social media to promote stock and engage with buyers. Below are key accounts for 2025:
- Meema Foods:
- Twitter: @meema_foods
- Instagram: @meema_foods
- Wigmore Trading:
- Twitter: @WigmoreTrading
- Instagram: @wigmore_trading
- Jumia Nigeria:
- Twitter: @JumiaNigeria
- Instagram: @jumianigeria
- Konga:
- Twitter: @ShopKonga
- Instagram: @shopkonga
- Excess Raw Foods:
- Twitter: @ExcessRawFoods
- Instagram: @excessrawfoods
These accounts post updates on bulk deals, new stock, and pricing. Direct messaging can connect you with sales representatives.
Price Inflation Warning
The rice market in Nigeria faces significant inflationary pressures in 2025, driven by:
- Currency Depreciation: The naira’s 40% devaluation in 2024 increases import costs for foreign rice, which constitutes a significant market share.
- Paddy Scarcity: Local production is projected to drop to 5.22 million tonnes in 2025, against a demand of 7.4 million tonnes, pushing paddy prices from N1.1 million to N1.3 million per metric tonne by Q3 2025.
- High Inflation: Inflation reached 23.71% in April 2025, with rice prices rising 78% in 2024 due to supply shortages and high demand.
- Logistics Costs: Fuel price hikes and transportation challenges increase distribution costs, impacting wholesale prices.
Consumer Impact: Prices are expected to rise by 10-15% in 2025, with paddy rice potentially hitting N1.3 million per metric tonne. Businesses should secure bulk deals early and explore local rice to mitigate costs.
Recommendations for Buyers
- Bulk Purchasing: Buy in large quantities (50+ bags) from wholesalers like Meema Foods or Wigmore Trading to secure discounts.
- Quality Assurance: Ensure rice is NAFDAC-approved and free of stones or contaminants, especially for foreign varieties prone to smuggling.
- Monitor Prices: Track market trends via Nairametrics (nairametrics.com) or AFEX reports to anticipate price hikes.
- Negotiate Contracts: Engage wholesalers via email or social media for long-term supply agreements to lock in prices.
- Source Locally: Prioritize local brands like Big Bull or Mama’s Pride to reduce costs, as they are less affected by import tariffs.
Conclusion
The wholesale rice business in Nigeria offers significant opportunities due to high demand and a growing population. Despite challenges like inflation and supply shortages, strategic sourcing from reputable wholesalers and leveraging digital platforms can ensure profitability. For the latest pricing and stock updates, contact listed wholesalers or follow their social media accounts.