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| : Collage of food items in a Nigerian market |
Nigeria’s agricultural import bill surged to N2.22 trillion in the first half of 2025, sparking outrage among farmers, rice millers, and other stakeholders, who say the Federal Government’s policies are crippling local production and worsening food insecurity.
The controversy deepened after President Bola Tinubu reportedly ordered the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to take measures to further crash food prices nationwide.
On September 11, 2025, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, disclosed the President’s directive while presenting a paper at a one-day capacity-building workshop for Senate correspondents in Abuja.
According to Abdullahi, the order will be enforced by ensuring safe passage of agricultural products across the country’s major routes.
“I can say it on good authority that the President has given a matching order to the FEC committee already handling the matter,” Abdullahi said. “We know that commodities pass through certain routes before delivery, and huge sums are spent in the process. This is part of why food items are expensive. We are working hard to address this.”
Farmers Push Back
Despite the assurances, stakeholders say the President’s directive is not a practical solution.
The National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kabir Ibrahim, argued that government pronouncements cannot override economic realities.
“Transport costs affect food prices, yes, but that alone cannot solve the problem,” Ibrahim explained. “Our farmers are already struggling. Prices are so low that they can’t even afford fertilisers. The rising level of importation has dealt a heavy blow to local farmers.”
Rice Millers Warn of Investment Risks
Similarly, Peter Dama, Chairman of the Competitive African Rice Forum, criticised the government’s approach, saying it undermines private operators.
“The President is dealing with private businesses. You can’t just give an order to crash prices—it doesn’t work like that,” Dama told The PUNCH. “The proper thing would have been to consult with stakeholders in the agriculture and transport sectors, discuss workable solutions, and maybe provide subsidies. Pronouncements without engagement won’t work.”
He further warned that unchecked importation and absence of support for farmers were driving many out of agriculture.
“If inputs are not provided and only announcements are made, farmers will simply abandon the farms. We are not in an autocracy—stakeholders must be involved in policymaking,” he added.
Tractors Yet to Be Distributed
Stakeholders also expressed frustration over delays in agricultural mechanisation. In July 2024, the Federal Government launched 2,000 tractors to support farmers. More than a year later, none have been distributed.
Ibrahim noted:
“The tractors were unveiled last July, but there has been no distribution or clear modalities. Farmers are waiting, and human labour cannot keep sustaining large-scale farming without mechanisation.”
A senior Agriculture Ministry official, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that the distribution plan was still awaiting presidential approval.
“The minister has already submitted a list for approval. The process involves multiple ministries—trade, finance, customs, and investment—so it takes time. A technical committee will be set up to address stakeholder concerns,” the official said.
Purchasing Power Remains a Major Obstacle
While the Federal Government insists that its interventions will gradually reduce prices, stakeholders argue that the biggest challenge lies in weak consumer purchasing power.
Many households cannot afford rising food costs, and without structural reforms, critics say, directives alone will not reverse the current trend.
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