The Federal Government says prices of some essential food commodities in Nigeria have fallen by as much as 50 per cent compared with their levels before 2023.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made the claim on Monday in Maiduguri, Borno State, during a Community of Practice Meeting involving commissioners responsible for agriculture, health, environment and rural development.
Kyari said the reported reduction followed increased distribution of agricultural inputs, investments in rural infrastructure and support for smallholder farmers.
Kyari Urges Nigerians To Check Market Prices
The minister urged Nigerians to assess the government’s claim by comparing current market prices with the prices of the same commodities in 2023.
“Some essential food commodities have recorded price reductions of up to 50 per cent,” Kyari said.
He added, “Let us compare what a bag of rice or maize cost in 2023 with what it costs today and examine the figures objectively.”
Kyari said the Federal Government’s agricultural policies were designed to increase food production, ease pressure on consumers and create stronger economic opportunities in rural communities.
FG Defends Food Policies
The minister’s remarks come amid continued public concerns over the cost of food and household expenses across the country.
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Defending the administration of President Bola Tinubu, Kyari said its performance should be assessed using verifiable data rather than general perceptions.
He attributed the reported decline in prices of some commodities to measures aimed at expanding food supply and supporting farmers.
However, the minister’s statement did not provide a commodity-by-commodity breakdown showing the current prices, the 2023 baseline prices or the markets used to calculate the reported 50 per cent reduction.
Nigeria Unveils 10-Year Agrifood Strategy
The Maiduguri meeting also reviewed Nigeria’s commitments under the Kampala Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Declaration and its 2026–2035 strategy.
Kyari said the framework would focus on food and nutrition security, agricultural financing, trade, climate resilience, inclusion and improved governance.
He disclosed that Nigeria had developed and validated a 10-year National Agrifood System Strategy and Action Plan to guide implementation of the continental framework.
The minister said stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and states would be necessary to build a food system capable of withstanding economic and climate-related pressures.
He added that sustained investment in agriculture remained critical to increasing food production and making food more affordable for Nigerians.
