Farmers across Nigeria are predicting tougher days ahead for the nation, blaming the ongoing food inflation crisis on the recent removal of fuel subsidies and persistent insecurity.
These factors have significantly increased transportation costs and hindered farming activities, leading to higher food prices and a potential prolonged crisis.
Kabir Ibrahim, National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, emphasized that the food crisis is likely to continue until August. He urged Nigerians to brace for more price hikes and cautioned the Federal Government against opening borders to mass food importation, which he warned could undermine the agricultural sector’s progress.
“The current crisis is more about affordability than availability. Food is available, but it is not affordable. Therefore, with the high cost, there is no food security. Food security means you should be able to afford food within reasonable limits,” Ibrahim stated.
Ibrahim also highlighted that the increased prices of farm produce, such as tomatoes, peppers, and yams, are partly due to seasonal variations.
He explained, “Vegetables will be sold for higher prices now because this is not the season. The rains impact open production, leading to scarcity around this time until September. After that, prices will start to come down.”
Dr. Yunusa Halidu, National Secretary of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, added that low productivity is another significant factor in the price hikes. He pointed out that the high cost of farming inputs, such as tractors and fertilizers, has made it difficult for farmers to maintain productivity levels.
“From last year to now, prices of inputs like fertilizers have hovered between N35,000 and N50,000, which farmers cannot afford. Tractors that used to cost about N10m to N15m now cost about N35m to N40m,” he noted.
Halidu also stressed the impact of insecurity on farming activities, saying, “Insecurity is wreaking havoc, with farmers being kidnapped. The government needs to work with farmers to end the food crisis.”
In response to the rising food prices and inflation, the Federal Government recently unveiled a revised national policy on food safety and promised measures to ensure food abundance. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, highlighted the importance of establishing more specialized agricultural institutions to accelerate the nation’s quest for food security.
“To fast-track the Federal Government’s drive for food security, modern and mechanized farming, and diversification of the economy, the need for more specialized agricultural institutions that are innovative and research-based has become imperative,” Abbas stated.
He urged agricultural stakeholders to provide valuable contributions during public hearings on agriculture-related bills to ensure effective legislative actions.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State government is actively working to tackle food insecurity through various initiatives. According to Gbenga Morounfolu, Spokesman of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the state has been engaging and supporting farmers to boost food production.
“Less than two weeks ago, about 8,800 smallholder farmers across the 20 local government areas of the state received free agricultural inputs and assets to further boost farming outputs,” he said.