Prices of staple food crops have fallen significantly in many parts of the Northeast, marking the first drop since the cancellation of fuel subsidies in 2023.
A recent survey conducted by the Nigerian News Agency (NAN) showed that food prices fell particularly significantly in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno State, where food prices have traditionally been high.
The survey highlighted a significant reduction in corn, rice, Guinea corn and bean prices. For example, at Jimeta Market, Adamawa is a bag of 100 kilograms of corn, sold between October and November 2024 for ₦60,000 to 65,000, and has now dropped to 40,000 – ₦45,000.
In the same market, a bag of 100 kg of local rice used to cost 60,000 – ₦65,000 to sell for 45,000, while a bag of 100 kg of beans has gone from 190,000 to ₦95,000 in 2024.
Costs for other commodities rise
Although food crop prices have generally declined, prices for some items have risen. In the Ganye Yam market in Adamawa, the price of 100 yams rose from 70,000 – ₦80,000 to around 200,000, and currently, the price of a single tuber is ₦2,000 – ₦2,000 – ₦2,500, depending on the size.
Similarly, livestock prices in the region have risen. In Engulol and Mubi, the price of cattle has risen significantly over the past three years. A cow used to be sold for 200,000 – 300,000, but now costs between 400,000 and 700,000, and some people reach 1 million.
Yobe and Borno prices fall
In Yobe, food prices have also fallen. A bag of 100 kg of unprocessed local rice, priced from 57,000 to 60,000, is currently selling for 40,000 – 43,000. Beans have dropped from ₦105,000 to 85,000, and millet has dropped from ₦60,000 to 46,000. Other items such as peanuts and pepper also lower prices.
In Borno State, the price of local rice dropped from 80,000 to 65,000 – ₦64,000, while the price of foreign rice dropped from 97,000 to 70,000. Corn used to be 55,000 per bag, but now it is priced at 38,000.
However, beans in Borno are still very expensive, with 100 kg of beans now priced at ₦100,000 (vs ₦180,000), while individual yam tubes are priced at ₦2,500 – ₦3,000.
Factors that lead to price declines
Several factors have led to a decline in food prices, and importantly, the purchase of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is reduced, especially after the evacuation of U.S. International Development’s humanitarian aid. This leads to a decrease in demand, which in turn affects prices.
“NGOs have purchased large quantities of food from the rebellion in the past, increasing demand. Now, as purchases decrease, prices have adjusted“Public affairs analyst Lawan Mala said.
Furthermore, the price drop is attributed to the increase in local production as more and more families embrace survival agriculture, producing food for individual consumption and selling surplus goods.
Government policy and future concerns
Professor David Jatau, Agriculture Commissioner, attributed the price decline to state government policies aimed at enhancing food production and improving food security.
Under Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, the state has launched several initiatives, including a poverty and climate change-adapted agricultural program, which aims to increase productivity and ensure adequate food capacity.
However, there are concerns about the high costs of farm investments, such as fertilizers, which may prevent future investments in agriculture.
Bean farmer Sadiq Abubakar warned that the price of fertilizers is as high as 50,000 per bag, while food prices fall, and the industry may become unprofitable.
Farmer and food supplier Muhammad Maitela pointed out that due to the low prices, many residents are adapting to storing food by buying food in bulk, many are storing in bulk, and many are turning to small-scale agriculture to sustain themselves.
Professor Ahmad Bawa, an economic development expert at Modibbo Adama University, praised the federal government’s food import policies, especially regarding rice and corn, and emphasized the importance of maintaining these policies to maintain food security.
However, Bawa warned that if the situation is not restricted, prices may rise again due to market volatility.
“If the appropriate authorities do not intervene, prices may rise again. Establishing direct farmers to the consumer market can help stabilize prices and reduce the role of middlemen,” he suggested.
