Findings have showed that the average cost of basic food items in Nigeria may reach an unprecedented level of price surge in the coming months, exacerbating the already challenging economic conditions.
This projection is based on the decision by farmers in the northern part of the country to export their bumper harvest to neighbouring countries in exchange for foreign currency while neglecting local demand as the dry season approaches.
While farmers in Kaduna and Kwara states complained of poor harvests caused by prolonged droughts and diversion of farm inputs by politicians, their counterparts in Jigawa, Kano, and Yobe confirmed the bumper harvest of crops, including millet, sorghum, beans, and maize.
They, however, highlighted that a significant portion of these produce were being exported to countries, including Niger Republic, Cameroun, Chad, Ghana and even as far as Asia and Europe for higher revenue.
The price of food, a major driver of Nigeria’s headline inflation that pegged at 34.60 per cent in November 2024, has been a recurring issue with the government failing in several attempts to adequately feed the nation.
Food inflation has also seen a sharp rise, reaching 39.93 per cent in November 2024, up from 32.84 per cent in the same period, making it difficult for many households in the country to afford daily meals.
Despite the obvious challenge posed by rising inflation, farmers have decided to export their food produce, thereby depleting their food reserves for foreign currencies, even as they face the looming threat of the upcoming dry season.
This development, which puts food security at a threshold, highlights the pressing economic pressures citizens battle, as they balance immediate financial gains with the long-term sustainability of their resources.
Speaking in separate interviews with our correspondents, the farmers said food security must remain a top priority for the government.
A farmer in Damaturu, Mallam Abbati Malari, attributed the recent bumper harvest to adequate rainfall and its distribution, which prevented diseases and pest activities.
In an exclusive interview, Malari noted that the harvest was not as a result of government reforms.
“The scarcity and high cost of food items have encouraged more people to venture into farming,” he explained.
“However, the government should acknowledge the long-standing presence of agricultural produce hoarders in the value chain, which has been ongoing for decades.”
Abbati also highlighted that grains like millet, sorghum, beans, and maize were consistently exported to Niger from states neighbouring the Niger Republic.
He emphasised that the government’s policy of devaluing the Naira has increased merchants’ purchasing power due to the significant gap between the CFA Franc and Naira values.
