Food and agriculture stakeholders in Ogun, Oyo, and Kwara States have welcomed the recent drop in food prices, praising the Federal Government (FG) for its policies and interventions. However, they warned that certain measures are needed to sustain the reductions over time.
A survey conducted on Tuesday by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Lafenwa, Kuto, and Olomore markets in Abeokuta revealed significant declines in the prices of staples such as rice, beans, garri, groundnut oil, and yams. Prices of perishable items like peppers, onions, and tomatoes also fell.
According to the survey, a ‘kongo’ of garri now sells for N500, down from N1,800 in August, while a bag costs N28,000 compared to N40,000 previously. A 50kg bag of rice has dropped from N68,000 to N53,000, and ‘Oloyin’ beans are now N60,000, down from N70,000.
Similarly, a small bucket of bonnet pepper, which previously sold for N15,000, now costs N6,000, and a bag of tomatoes has fallen from N70,000 to N50,000. Six large tubers of yams, previously sold between N17,000 and N20,000, now sell for N12,000, while medium-sized yams are priced between N4,000 and N6,000.
Traders attributed the price reductions to the recent decline in the exchange rate and the reopening of land borders. Mrs. Sikirat Soyeye, a grain seller at Lafenwa Market, said the changes have improved business, noting that cheaper food items are encouraging higher customer purchases.
“The reduction in the dollar rate and border reopening have really helped,” she said, urging the government to maintain the stability of the naira.
At Kuto Market, Mrs. Tinuke Ayomide, a perishable goods seller, attributed lower pepper and onion prices to the harvest season but stressed the need for improved security in northern Nigeria, where most food items originate. Similarly, Mr. Haruna Ibrahim, a tomato seller at Olomore Market, noted a slight price reduction but said tomatoes remain relatively expensive.
Consumers expressed delight at the trend, with Mrs. Ayomide Adedeji calling on the government to sustain the price drops through consistent policies and stable fuel prices.
Abiodun Ogunjimi, Ogun Secretary of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), said the current price reduction reflects seasonal harvests, lower transport costs, and improved supply from farms and borders. However, he warned that without deliberate government policies, these gains could be temporary.
“The government should invest in local food production, reduce import duties on essential goods, provide incentives for farmers, and improve storage facilities and rural infrastructure to ensure affordability,” Ogunjimi said.
Ogun Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owotomo, highlighted government interventions aimed at increasing productivity and minimizing post-harvest losses. He noted that thousands of farmers are benefiting from training programs and that processing facilities and off-taker linkages are being expanded to improve market access.
In Ibadan, Prof. Alarudeen Aminu of the University of Ibadan explained that the price reduction is largely due to the nationwide harvest season, which typically brings prices down unless disrupted by droughts, floods, or other factors. He stressed the importance of government investment in domestic food production and rural infrastructure to maintain lower prices beyond the harvest period.
Consumers and market leaders in Kwara and Oyo States also welcomed the reductions, though many noted that purchasing power remains low. Traders urged the government to continue supporting farmers, provide storage facilities, and maintain stable fuel and exchange rates to sustain affordability.
ICYMI
Overall, the drop in food prices across Ogun, Oyo, and Kwara is a combination of seasonal harvests, policy interventions, improved supply chains, and a stronger naira. Stakeholders, however, emphasize that coordinated, long-term government strategies are needed to ensure these gains are maintained year-round.
