The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, says prices of some essential food commodities have fallen by up to 50 per cent compared to their levels before 2023.
Kyari made the claim on Monday in Maiduguri, Borno State, while declaring open the Community of Practice Meeting of Commissioners for Agriculture, Health, Environment and Rural Development.
The meeting was organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the Borno State Government, with support from the German government, under the theme “Stronger Partnerships for a Food Secure Nigeria.”
He said the Federal Government has placed food security at the centre of President Bola Tinubu’s agenda, with focus on increased production, affordability, stronger rural economies and a more resilient food system.
“We have seen the reduction of up to 50 per cent in prices of some essential food commodities, alongside expanded input delivery, investment in rural infrastructure, and support to smallholder farmers,” Kyari said.
The minister urged Nigerians to assess the government’s performance with data and not politicise the cost of living.
“Let’s be honest, how much was a bag of rice and maize in 2023, and how much is it now? What is the percentage? Let us not play politics with these things,” he said.
Kyari said the meeting would also review the Kampala Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Declaration and its Strategy and Action Plan for 2026-2035, covering sustainable production, investment, food and nutrition security, trade, and climate resilience.
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