Nigerians Blush as FG Reports Drop in Food Prices, Highlights Boost in Crop Production Nationwide
The Federal Government has announced a noticeable decline in food prices across major markets in the country, attributing the development to increased crop production and ongoing agricultural reforms.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security said recent market surveys conducted across several states showed significant drops in the prices of key food items, including rice, maize, sorghum, beans, and cassava.
According to the ministry, the positive trend stems from improved access to inputs, expanded mechanization programs, and favorable weather conditions that boosted harvest yields in the 2024/2025 farming season.
“The government’s deliberate investments in the agricultural value chain are beginning to yield tangible results,” the statement read. “Farmers are now getting better support through the Growth Enhancement Scheme, access to credit, and distribution of certified seedlings.
This has translated into better productivity and more food in circulation.”
The report also noted that maize production rose by 15 percent compared to the previous year, while rice output increased by 12 percent.
The government credited its collaboration with state agricultural agencies and private-sector partners for sustaining production despite earlier challenges caused by insecurity and high input costs.
Reacting to the development, several Nigerians expressed cautious optimism, noting that while some prices have indeed eased, the gains are yet to fully reflect in urban markets.
A trader at Mile 12 Market in Lagos, Mrs. Kafayat Adebayo, confirmed that the wholesale price of maize had dropped from ₦72,000 to ₦60,000 per bag within two months. “It’s good news, but transportation costs are still high. If the government can fix that, food will be even cheaper,” she said.
Experts, however, advised the government not to relent, urging it to sustain support for irrigation, storage facilities, and rural infrastructure to stabilize food prices in the long term.
The Federal Government assured that its National Food Security Council will continue to monitor price movements and intervene where necessary to ensure affordability for all Nigerians.
“We are not just celebrating figures,” the ministry emphasized, “we are celebrating the resilience of Nigerian farmers and the return of confidence in our agricultural sector.”
