Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari reports a significant price drop for essential food commodities across Nigeria.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced on Monday in Maiduguri that essential food prices have dropped by up to 50 percent across Nigeria. This development marks a notable shift in the national food economy under current administration policies.
Speaking at the Community of Practice Meeting of Commissioners for Agriculture, Health, Environment and Rural Development in Borno State, Kyari emphasized that President Bola Tinubu placed food security at the center of the national agenda, according to information published by punchng.
The high-level regional meeting was organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the Borno State Government, with strong support from the German government to foster a more resilient agricultural sector.
Impact on Essential Food Commodities
Addressing participants at the Borno State summit, Abubakar Kyari challenged critics to compare current market realities with previous years. He noted that the prices of essential commodities like rice and maize have significantly decreased when compared to market rates recorded prior to 2023.
The minister urged stakeholders not to politicize economic data, pointing out that expanded input delivery, increased investments in rural infrastructure, and direct support to smallholder farmers have successfully driven these positive market changes nationwide.
Kampala Comprehensive Framework and 10-Year Strategy
Moving beyond immediate price adjustments, the summit evaluated the Kampala Comprehensive African Development Program Declaration and its strategic action plan spanning from 2026 to 2035, focusing heavily on sustainable agrifood systems across the African continent.
Nigeria has already developed and validated a 10-Year National Agrifood System Strategy to serve as the primary domestic vehicle for implementing these international commitments, prioritizing regional trade, nutrition security, and climate resilience.
German Development Cooperation and Sub-National Implementation
During the proceedings, the Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, Dr Karin Jansen, reaffirmed Germany's ongoing commitment to supporting Nigerian agricultural policy processes through the Sustainable Agricultural Systems and Policies project.
Abubakar Kyari urged state commissioners to focus firmly on practical implementation, ensuring that local action plans effectively improve rural extension services, credit access, quality inputs, and post-harvest loss reduction strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who announced the 50 percent reduction in food prices in Nigeria?
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced the price reduction during a meeting in Maiduguri.
When and where was the announcement regarding food prices made?
The announcement was made on Monday in Maiduguri, Borno State, during the Community of Practice Meeting of Commissioners.
What factors contributed to the drop in food commodity prices?
Expanded input delivery, investments in rural infrastructure, and targeted support for smallholder farmers drove the price decreases.
How is Germany supporting Nigeria's agricultural sector?
Germany is supporting Nigeria through the Sustainable Agricultural Systems and Policies project, strengthening agricultural policy processes and civil society participation.
