The Federal Government has unveiled a new set of measures aimed at addressing the rising cost of food items across Nigeria, following growing public concern over inflation, food insecurity, and the increasing cost of living.
The announcement was made on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, who said the government is working closely with state governments, farmers’ associations, and private sector partners to improve food production, storage, and distribution nationwide.
According to the minister, the new strategy includes expanded access to farming inputs such as fertilisers and improved seedlings, rehabilitation of irrigation facilities, revival of abandoned grain silos, and the introduction of modern storage and processing centres in key farming regions across the country.
He explained that the government is also rolling out special credit schemes for farmers through the Central Bank of Nigeria and other development finance institutions to boost large-scale and smallholder farming.
“We are fully committed to ensuring that food is affordable and accessible to every Nigerian household,” the minister said. “These interventions are designed to stabilise food prices, increase production, and strengthen our agricultural value chain.”
Rising Food Prices Worsen Cost of Living
Food prices have surged across major markets in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Onitsha, Aba, and Kano, with staples such as rice, beans, garri, tomatoes, pepper, and cooking oil recording sharp increases over the past year.
Market surveys conducted by RoseOnAllSidesHQ in selected Lagos markets show that a 50kg bag of rice now sells for between ₦70,000 and ₦80,000, compared to about ₦35,000 early last year. A bag of beans now sells for between ₦90,000 and ₦100,000, while a bag of garri ranges from ₦40,000 to ₦55,000 depending on the region.
Traders say transportation costs, insecurity in farming communities, and rising fuel prices have contributed significantly to the current situation.
“Everything is expensive now, from fuel to transport and storage,” said a trader at Mile 12 Market in Lagos. “By the time food gets to the city, the price has already doubled.”
Many Nigerians say the rising cost of food has placed serious pressure on household budgets, forcing families to reduce meal portions or skip meals entirely.
“We can barely afford three meals a day anymore,” said Maleek Gambo, a civil servant in Abuja. “Most of our salary now goes into feeding alone.”
People are going through a lot in this country right now, and the pressure of daily survival is getting heavier for many families.
Government Plans Storage, Irrigation and Mechanisation
The government said part of the new strategy includes the rehabilitation of irrigation facilities in the North, Middle Belt, and southern farming zones to enable year-round farming and reduce dependence on rainfall.
Officials also revealed that abandoned silos in strategic locations will be reopened to store grains such as maize, rice, sorghum, and millet in order to stabilise supply during the off-season.
In addition, new mechanisation centres are being established to provide farmers with access to tractors, harvesters, and modern farming equipment at subsidised rates.
Agricultural experts say Nigeria loses billions of naira annually due to poor storage facilities and post-harvest losses.
“About 40 percent of food produced in Nigeria is lost before it gets to consumers,” said an agricultural consultant based in Kaduna. “If storage and logistics are fixed, food prices will drop naturally.”
Security Challenges and Climate Change
The government also acknowledged that insecurity in farming communities remains a major challenge to food production. Several farming areas in Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, and parts of the North-East have been affected by banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes.
Many farmers have abandoned their farmlands, leading to reduced production and higher prices.
Climate change has also worsened the situation, with flooding destroying farmlands in several states and drought affecting crop yields in northern regions.
Last year’s floods affected more than 30 states and destroyed thousands of hectares of farmland, according to the National Emergency Management Agency.
The government said it is working with security agencies to provide better protection for farmers and rural communities.
Economists React
Economists and policy analysts have welcomed the government’s new measures but warned that implementation will be key.
“Agricultural reforms must go beyond policy announcements,” said an Abuja-based economic analyst. “What Nigerians want to see is real support reaching farmers on the ground — fertiliser, seeds, irrigation, security, and access to credit.”
Another analyst noted that food inflation remains one of the biggest drivers of overall inflation in Nigeria.
“When food prices rise, everything else rises with it,” he said. “Reducing food inflation is the fastest way to reduce pressure on Nigerian households.”
What Nigerians Expect
Many Nigerians say they are hopeful but cautious.
“We’ve heard many promises before,” said a trader in Ibadan. “What we want is to see food become affordable again.”
Farmers’ groups have also urged the government to involve them directly in the design and implementation of the new programmes.
“If farmers are properly supported, Nigeria can feed itself,” said the leader of a farmers’ cooperative in Nasarawa State. “We have the land and the manpower.”
What Happens Next
The government said the programme will be rolled out nationwide in phases over the coming months, starting with major food-producing states.
Officials added that progress reports will be released regularly to ensure transparency and accountability.
For millions of Nigerians struggling with rising food prices, the success of the new measures could provide much-needed relief in the months ahead.