ABUJA, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a Federal Executive Council (FEC) committee to accelerate measures aimed at reducing food prices across Nigeria, following months of rising inflation and food cost pressures.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, revealed this on Wednesday during a workshop for Senate correspondents in Abuja. He said the directive includes ensuring safe passage of agricultural produce along major routes, to cut down logistical costs that are passed on to consumers.
“The President has given a matching order with a Federal Executive Council committee already handling it on how we are going to promote safe passage of agricultural foods and commodities across our various routes in the country,” Abdullahi said.
The issue is urgent: according to the National Bureau of Statistics, food inflation stood at 22.74% year-on-year in July 2025. Although this is a decline from much higher rates earlier in the year, it remains a high burden for many households struggling to afford staples.
Why costs remain high
The removal of the fuel subsidy, escalating transport costs, and insecurity along key food supply corridors have all contributed to disrupted movement of farm produce. These factors have combined to push food prices beyond the reach of millions of Nigerians.
Government’s plan for relief
As part of the overall strategy, the government will launch a Farmer Soil Health Scheme to boost productivity and ensure that farmers have access to better-quality inputs. In addition, a revamped cooperative reform initiative will be rolled out with the aim of mobilising resources and strengthening rural farmers’ ability to access markets and outputs.
“Mr. President has shown tremendous interest in the cooperative sector as a veritable tool for resource mobilisation, for economic activity generation, and to improve the livelihood of members,” Abdullahi added.
Stakeholder reactions
Economists and farming groups have welcomed the announcement but urge that speed and transparency be priorities.
Dr. Chioma Ajayi, an agricultural economist, warned, “Safe passage of produce is necessary, but unless the root problems: high input costs, security along farm-to-market routes, and corruption in the logistics chain are addressed, many Nigerians will still pay too much for food.”
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) urged the government to ensure that promised schemes like soil health and cooperatives are “not just policies on paper but real interventions that reach farmers on the ground.”
Civil society voices also called for strict oversight. Mrs. Zainab Danladi of the Centre for Social Accountability said, “Past relief efforts have been undermined by leakages and inefficiencies. This time, Nigerians expect results.”
The context: inflation and public life
Headline inflation in Nigeria has also eased somewhat, standing at 21.88% in July 2025, according to recent data — down from 22.22% in June. However, food inflation remains one of the largest contributors to overall inflation, making the cost of living particularly harsh for lower-income and rural households.
What comes next
Observers say that for the President’s directive to succeed, coordinated action across multiple government agencies will be necessary: including transportation, security, agriculture, and finance ministries.
Abdullahi’s announcement signals the government’s awareness that food security isn’t just about production, but about making food affordable, accessible, and safe for citizens. Whether these measures will translate into lower prices in markets remains to be seen.
Daily Courier
