In spite of its popularity,  high rate of production and consumption, an official of Maize Association of Nigeria (MAN) says Nigeria produces less than 40 per cent of its annual maize requirement.

Dr Abiola Job, the National Treasurer of Maize Association of Nigeria (MAN), made the statement in Ibadan on Wednesday in an interview with the newsmen.

He said there was a need for both the government and farmers to pay attention to  satisfying local needs for the grain instead of exporting it.

“It is not yet time for the country to export maize; we don’t have enough maize even for livestock consumption much less human consumption,’’ he said.

Job explained that maize from Nigeria being consumed in some African countries, such as Nigeria and Chad, was not exported officially but bought  by traders, who were in need of Nigerian maize, for sale in their countries. He suggested that since the government had yet to meet the local demand for the grain, its sale outside the country should be discouraged.

He said that Nigeria could feed itself and other countries in West Africa if the government “pays the right attention to agriculture”.

Job commended the national maize doubling initiative of the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo but expressed regret that there was no  continuity in the policy by subsequent administrations.

He said that if there was continuity in agricultural policies, Nigeria would become self-sufficient and even export agricultural products.

Job pointed out that since the maize doubling policy was an effective and good policy, it ought to be sustained if the government was desirous of meeting  its  national requirement for food.

He urged the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan to revive the policy to encourage maize farmers and provide employment jobs for youths.