The Federal Government says prices of some essential food items have dropped by as much as 50 per cent compared with their 2023 levels.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made the claim on Monday in Maiduguri while opening a Community of Practice Meeting for commissioners handling agriculture, health, environment and rural development across Nigeria.
The meeting, organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security with the Borno State Government and support from the German government, focused on boosting food production and improving food security.
Kyari said the government wants to produce more food, make it cheaper, strengthen rural economies and create a stronger food system.
He linked the price cuts to increased supply of farm inputs, investment in rural infrastructure and support for smallholder farmers.
The minister urged Nigerians to judge the government using available data instead of politicising the rising cost of living. He asked them to compare the prices of rice and maize in 2023 with their current prices.
Kyari said the meeting would also review the Kampala Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Declaration and its 2026–2035 Strategy and Action Plan, covering production, investment, financing, nutrition, trade, inclusion, climate resilience and governance.
He added that Nigeria had developed and validated a 10-year National Agrifood System Strategy and Action Plan to meet its commitments under the framework.
