The Federal Government attributes the recent decline in food prices across various markets to a combination of increased domestic agricultural output, the release of stockpiled goods by hoarders, and enhanced collaboration between federal and state authorities to stabilize food availability.
During a ministerial briefing held in Abuja to commemorate World Food Day 2025, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted that Nigeria’s ongoing agricultural reforms and consistent policy implementation have started to deliver tangible benefits, with farmers achieving higher yields in key staple crops this year.
He emphasized that these collective efforts have expanded market supply, alleviated scarcity pressures, and restored equilibrium in the supply-demand dynamics that previously caused price surges.
Drawing on findings from the 2025 Wet Season Agricultural Performance Survey by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Abdullahi noted steady improvements in the production of rice, maize, cassava, sorghum, millet, yam, and cowpea.
These advancements, he explained, are the direct result of government-led investments and farmer support initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister further detailed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has deliberately intensified agricultural production by providing subsidized inputs, facilitating access to credit, and implementing mechanization programs. This multi-tiered intervention strategy aims to ensure food is both plentiful and affordable.
Abdullahi stressed that food security is being prioritized not only in terms of boosting output but also by making food prices accessible to Nigeria’s working population. The government’s approach aligns food costs with the income levels of low-wage earners, helping them maintain essential household nutrition.
He also attributed part of the price reduction to a shift in market psychology following the Federal Government’s announcement last year to import limited food supplies to cover production shortfalls.
This announcement discouraged speculative hoarding, prompting traders to release large quantities of stored commodities into the market, thereby increasing supply and stabilizing prices.
While imports were planned as a contingency, Abdullahi clarified that significant shipments were not required, as the improved domestic harvests sufficiently met demand. The interplay of higher production, seasonal abundance, and diminished hoarding naturally corrected market prices.
State governments have contributed significantly by establishing buffer stocks to manage price volatility. Abdullahi cited Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, and Niger States as examples where emergency food reserves have been maintained to protect consumers during price spikes.
To mitigate the impact of falling commodity prices on farmers, the government is distributing free inputs and farming equipment through cooperatives, youth groups, and farmers’ associations. This support aims to lower production costs, sustain farmers’ incomes, and encourage ongoing cultivation.
He remarked, “Through the agri-pocket program, we injected nearly 500,000 metric tonnes of wheat, maize, cassava, and other staples into the supply chain. This surge in availability is the primary driver behind the recent drop in food prices.”
“The announcement of planned food imports last year caused hoarders to panic and release their stockpiles. The price decline was not due to the arrival of imports but rather the collapse of speculative behavior under the pressure of improved harvests.”
“Recognizing the need for sustained production, the government continues to provide free inputs and access to mechanization, reducing farmers’ costs while ensuring food remains affordable for consumers.”
“Never before has the agricultural sector witnessed such comprehensive political commitment. President Tinubu’s unwavering support, combined with ongoing reforms, is steering Nigeria toward precision agriculture and lasting food security.”
The minister also highlighted the federal mechanization initiative, which has deployed 2,000 Belarus tractors and over 9,000 specialized implements to cultivate more than 550,000 hectares. These machines are equipped with digital technology to prevent misuse and ensure proper maintenance.
He clarified that these tractors will not be distributed as political favors but will be managed through service centers, enabling smallholder farmers to access mechanized farming services at affordable rates. This approach is expected to reduce labor expenses, enhance land preparation, and boost overall productivity.
Abdullahi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reviewing previous silo concession agreements to reclaim underperforming assets and incorporate them into a revamped Strategic Food Reserve. This strategy will expand storage capacity, safeguard surplus harvests, and further shield consumers from price fluctuations.
In closing, the minister declared that Nigeria is experiencing an unprecedented level of political dedication to agriculture, with the administration’s vision focused on achieving food self-sufficiency through precision farming, youth-driven mechanization, and sustainable land management.
