In an average Nigerian home, the man is the bread winner while the wife takes care of the home and children. Children from the low income group are often found selling on the major streets to supplement family incomes. U.S. Market Position, Domestic and Third-country competition Import statistics are not readily available, and where available are not reliable due to massive smuggling. Unofficial estimates put the value of total food imports at 650 million dollars per year. There is a persistent shortage of consumer goods resulting from an inefficient local processing industry.
Imports often fill the gap.
Nigeria's traditional link with Europe, the UK in particular, remains strong in terms of imports. However, U.S. food products have made inroads into the Nigerian market based on quality and competitiveness. The average Nigerian attaches higher quality to American products. Nigerian importers however, comment that they usually find European and far Eastern suppliers more responsive. The U.S. has become an increasingly important trading partner not only in terms of exports to Nigeria but also as the leading export market for the country.