In a decisive move to tackle rising food costs and enhance national food security, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to implement urgent measures aimed at reducing food prices across Nigeria.
The directive prioritizes the safe and unhindered movement of agricultural commodities along critical transport corridors, a development that could significantly ease inflationary pressures on staple foods.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, announced the President’s directive during a one-day capacity-building workshop for Senate correspondents held in Abuja on Wednesday.
The event, themed “Parliamentary Reporting: Issues, Challenges and Responsibilities,” was organized to strengthen media engagement with legislative processes and policy implementation.
Senator Abdullahi emphasized that transportation costs remain one of the most significant contributors to food price hikes in Nigeria.
“If you know the amount of money being spent moving commodities before they reach markets, you will understand why they are expensive at the point of delivery,” he explained.
He added that the President has tasked FEC with ensuring a structured approach to secure the safe passage of farm produce nationwide.
The Minister also highlighted that Tinubu’s directive aligns with his administration’s broader food sovereignty agenda, which extends beyond merely achieving food sufficiency.
“This agenda encompasses availability, accessibility, affordability, nutrition, and sustainability,” Abdullahi said.
He noted that the administration aims to ensure that all Nigerians, particularly vulnerable populations, have access to sufficient and nutritious food without excessive financial burden.
The Federal Government is reportedly planning multiple initiatives to reinforce agricultural production and stabilize food prices.
Among these is the launch of the Farmer Soil Health Scheme, designed to enhance soil fertility management and boost crop yields.
Additionally, a cooperative reform and revamp programme is set to mobilize resources and strengthen grassroots economic activities, ensuring that smallholder farmers benefit from improved production and market access.
“Mr. President has shown tremendous interest in the cooperative sector as a veritable tool for economic activity generation and improving members’ livelihoods,” Abdullahi added.
Analysts note that strengthening cooperatives can improve collective bargaining power, reduce post-harvest losses, and streamline distribution, which collectively contribute to price stability in local markets.
One of the critical challenges affecting food prices is the logistics and security of moving farm produce from rural production zones to urban consumption centers.
Reports indicate that road insecurity, harassment by intermediaries, and infrastructural bottlenecks often inflate transportation costs, ultimately pushing up consumer prices.
To address these challenges, the FEC committee tasked with implementing Tinubu’s directive is expected to coordinate with state governments, law enforcement agencies, and local transport unions.
The objective is to create a seamless and secure supply chain for agricultural commodities.
This initiative complements recent efforts by the Federal Government to improve road infrastructure and rural connectivity, which remain pivotal to national food security.
Experts warn that food inflation remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing socio-economic issues, affecting both urban and rural households.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), food inflation accounted for a significant portion of the 2025 Consumer Price Index surge.
By reducing logistical bottlenecks and ensuring safe commodity movement, the government hopes to stabilize prices, relieve consumer pressure, and enhance purchasing power for the average Nigerian.
Furthermore, the focus on cooperatives and grassroots economic empowerment aims to create sustainable livelihoods, particularly for smallholder farmers who constitute the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
These measures are expected to foster inclusive growth, improve nutrition outcomes, and support the Federal Government’s broader poverty reduction strategy.
Initial responses from agricultural stakeholders have been cautiously optimistic.
Industry analysts note that the effectiveness of the initiative will depend largely on coordinated implementation, consistent monitoring, and adequate enforcement.
Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), emphasized that public-private collaboration will be essential for achieving measurable results.
Senator Yemi Adaramodu and Senator Ita Solomon Enang, who participated in the workshop, also underlined the importance of legislative oversight in ensuring that executive directives translate into tangible outcomes for Nigerians.
They highlighted that transparent reporting mechanisms and timely media coverage would play critical roles in monitoring progress.
The President’s directive signals a renewed focus on stabilizing food prices amid broader economic challenges, including inflationary pressures, foreign exchange volatility, and rising production costs.
With FEC already mobilizing resources and setting up inter-agency committees, Nigerians can expect a multi-pronged strategy that addresses both immediate price shocks and long-term food security.
Analysts also point out that the success of this initiative could bolster investor confidence in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector, encourage local production, and reduce dependence on food imports.
If effectively implemented, the program could serve as a model for other African countries facing similar challenges in food supply chain management and price stabilization.
President Tinubu’s administration, through these measures, reaffirms its commitment to improving the livelihoods of citizens, enhancing agricultural productivity, and ensuring a stable and affordable food supply.
By targeting both logistical efficiency and grassroots economic empowerment, the government aims to deliver a comprehensive solution to one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges—affordable and accessible food for all.