The Federal Government has said that the ongoing decline in food prices across the country is a direct result of increased agricultural production, targeted interventions and the current harvest season.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, made this known in Abuja during activities marking the 2025 World Food Day.
Abdullahi explained that government-led programmes such as the National Agricultural Growth Scheme (NAGS) Agro-Pocket are supporting farmers to scale production and improve food availability nationwide.
He described the scheme as central to the nation’s food security efforts, noting its focus on boosting production, improving farmers’ livelihoods and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The minister stated that since 2023, the Federal Government has embarked on large-scale production under the Agro-Pocket initiative, injecting almost 500,000 metric tonnes of wheat, as well as maize, cassava and other staple commodities. The increased output, he said, has contributed significantly to easing food prices in the market.
Abdullahi added that the scheme leverages digital technologies to streamline input subsidies and facilitate transparent digital transactions for farmers. Supported by the African Development Bank and the Federal Government, the initiative aims to strengthen farmer access to essential inputs and services.
He further pointed to the ongoing harvest season as a factor driving price reductions, explaining that food supplies are currently expanding from the southern parts of the country to central and northern regions. He expressed confidence that prices would continue to fall as the harvest progresses.
Speaking on immediate support measures, Abdullahi said the ministry has introduced short-term plans to ensure smallholder farmers can access affordable inputs despite economic pressures.
In line with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to reduce hardship, he said essential farm inputs will be distributed free of charge to farmers nationwide, including women, youths, internally displaced persons and those with special needs.
The minister also highlighted ongoing investments under the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Initiative, which he said are aimed at empowering farmers, reducing drudgery and enhancing food and nutrition security across the country.
Abdullahi commended state governments for complementing federal efforts through buffer stock programmes and free input distribution, initiatives he said help reduce production costs and strengthen food reserves.
He called for continued support for policies that offer sustainable solutions to hunger, food waste and agricultural challenges facing the nation.
