The price of rice in Nigeria is expected to go down soon because the government is taking steps to help local rice farmers. This is important because rice is a staple food for many families in Nigeria, and its rising cost has been a big concern.
In a recent interview, Kabir Ibrahim, who is the President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, shared that a new program called the National Agricultural Growth Scheme – Agro Pocket project will begin in February 2025. This project aims to support 500,000 farmers by providing them with the help they need to grow more rice. Ibrahim mentioned that last year, a similar initiative didn’t go as planned because it started late, but he is hopeful that this new effort will be more successful.
Currently, many Nigerians are worried about the high prices of food, especially rice. In the capital city, Abuja, the price for a 50-kilogram bag of rice has skyrocketed to at least 110,000 Naira, which is putting a strain on many households. This increase in price is partly due to a drop in rice production in Nigeria. For the 2024/2025 farming season, rice production fell to 8.3 million tonnes, down from 8.9 million tonnes the year before. Despite the government trying to boost agricultural production, the decline has raised concerns about food availability in the country.
According to reports from the United States Department of Agriculture, there has been a noticeable decrease in the amount of rice being produced, a trend that started last planting season. Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized the government’s commitment to improving food security in Nigeria. He stated that it is crucial to inform the public about the government’s efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition.
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To further support farmers, the government has launched a project called “Operation Empty the Store.” This initiative will provide farmers with essential equipment and supplies like fertilizers and weeders, which are necessary for increasing their productivity during the upcoming farming season.
In 2024, the government invested 8.64 billion Naira to enhance food security through various programs. This money has been used to buy essential farming tools and materials, and similar funding will continue in 2025 to further support farmers.
Despite these efforts, food prices are still rising, with food inflation currently at nearly 40%. One of the reasons for this increase is the higher transportation costs, which have gone up due to the removal of the fuel subsidy. Ibrahim pointed out that when transportation costs are high, farmers have to raise their prices to cover these expenses, which ultimately affects consumers.
The government’s initiative to provide farmers with the necessary tools and support is expected to help increase rice production, which should lead to lower prices for consumers. As more farmers receive assistance to improve their harvests, there is hope that Nigeria’s agricultural sector will bounce back from recent challenges, helping to stabilize food prices and ensure food security for everyone in the country.
