Nigeria’s Food Price Debate: Government Hails Progress, Citizens Disagree
By Naija Enquirer Staff
At a bustling market in Nyanya, Abuja, vegetable trader Hadiza Musa shakes her head as she arranges baskets of tomatoes. “They say food prices are down, but I buy everything at almost the same cost as last month,” she says.
Her view contrasts sharply with that of the government. The Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sunday Dare, insists that food prices across Nigeria have dropped by more than 40 percent — evidence, he says, that the administration’s economic reforms are easing the cost of living.
Government Reports Food Price Decline
Dare highlighted reductions in the prices of key staples such as maize, rice, beans, onions, tomatoes, and palm oil. He described these declines as “tangible results of government-backed agricultural policies” that are beginning to take effect nationwide.
According to him, improved harvests, better logistics, and enhanced farmer support have driven down food costs, easing inflationary pressure and gradually restoring citizens’ purchasing power.
Citizens Question Reality
However, not all Nigerians share this optimism. Across social media platforms and local markets, citizens have expressed skepticism about the reported decline in food prices, with some sharing personal experiences and receipts to dispute the claims.
“Rice still sells for ₦2,000 per mudu in Nyanya,” one user wrote. “The government needs a task force to monitor real prices.” Others, like Timothy Taiwo, offered a more balanced view: “I bought 12 yams for ₦8,000 today. They were ₦24,000 in January. Whatever the President is doing, it’s working — but it must continue.”
Economists have weighed in, noting that the temporary drop in some food prices could be due to seasonal harvest effects rather than lasting structural reform. “Sustained food affordability depends on logistics, input costs, and security in farming areas,” explained agricultural analyst Dr. Uche Nwosu.
As the debate continues, Nigerians remain divided on whether the reported food price drop signals genuine economic recovery or simply reflects short-term fluctuations driven by the harvest season.
