The prices of staple commodities are still unstable in Nigeria as some of the states show steep declines while others have stagnation or fresh hikes despite the renewed move by the federal government to stabilize the market.
President Bola Tinubu last month requested a Federal Executive Council committee to act with urgency to further reduce the price of food in the nation. The objective was to obtain access routes for farm produce in an effort to minimize logistics cost, stated Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.
Nigeria has been experiencing worsening food security since the fuel subsidy removal that had led to higher transport costs. Insecurity on the highways has also impeded the free movement of goods.
To address this, the government plans to roll out a Farmer Soil Health Scheme to better productivity and, in addition, cooperative sector reform to bolster rural farmers and unlock resources.
Outcomes remain imbalanced between the states, though.
Jigawa State: Prices dropped by approximately 45 percent. A mudu of beans in Shuwarin Market now sells for ₦2,500 compared to last year’s ₦5,000, and millet has dropped from ₦3,000 to ₦1,000. Farmers complain they’re being driven below cost of production.
Niger State: Grains’ prices have dropped by half. Rice now goes for ₦1,600 for a mudu, down from ₦3,000, and maize has dropped from ₦1,500 to ₦700. Individuals are relieved, but farmers explain that input prices are still high.
Abia State: Deep cuts are reported. Garri has dropped to ₦55,000–₦60,000 per bag from as high as ₦95,000, with rice and beans also dropping significantly. Yams’ prices, however, are still volatile.
Kaduna State: Prices come down gradually. A bag of rice now goes for ₦60,000–₦65,000, down from ₦90,000, though yam remains pricey.
Anambra State: Rice and beans are cheaper, but palm oil and yam are more costly, with 25-litre cartons of oil going for ₦70,000.
Osun State: Prices of some staple foods, including rice and beans, have fallen, but yam and palm oil remain unchanged.
Delta State: The picture is mixed. While rice and maize are posting marginal falls, yam remains on a high, with palm oil increasing to ₦68,000 for 25 litres.
Meanwhile, food is still out of reach for most households. Players are sounding the warning that unless insecurity challenges, high input costs, and poor infrastructure are addressed, the interventions of the government may only have limited impacts.
