President Bola Tinubu’s directive to crash food prices in Nigeria has ignited nationwide debate. While the policy is designed to ease inflation and provide relief for millions grappling with the rising cost of living experts caution that it could severely undermine nigerian agriculture in the long run. Critics argue that enforcing artificial price reductions risks destabilizing local farmers discouraging investment and increasing the country’s dependence on food imports.
Why Experts Are Concerned About Tinubus Food Price Order
Agricultural economists and policy analysts caution that Nigerias food system is already under strain from:
Rising fuel and transport costs.
Insecurity affecting farmers in key states.
Weak infrastructure for storage and distribution.
By mandating lower food prices without addressing these root causes experts believe the policy could:
Undermine Local farmers farmers may be forced to sell at unsustainable prices discouraging production.
Trigger food Shortages reduced profits could push farmers out of busines leading to supply gaps.
Increase Import Dependence nigeria may turn to cheap imports undermining food sovereignty.
Data-Backed Insights: Lessons from other countries
Global case studies show that artificial food price controls often fail:
In Venezuela forced price cuts led to food scarcity and black markets.
In Zimbabw similar interventions pushed farmers to abandon agriculture, deepening the crisis.
Experts stress that sustainable solutions such as investment in irrigation storage facilities and mechanization would stabilize prices naturally without harming the sector.
Nigeria’s Food Inflation Context
According to the national bureau of Statistics food inflation in nigeria hit 34% in 2025 among the highest in Africa. The price of staples such as rice maize and beans has more than doubled in the past two years. While Tinubus order may offer short term relief to households analysts insist it risks becoming a quick fix with long-term damage.
Policy Alternatives to Protect Farmers and Consumers
Experts recommend a balanced approach that protects consumers while sustaining farmers:
Subsidies for Fertilizer and Seeds – Supporting farmers directly instead of forcing price crashes.
Investment in Storage Logistics – Reducing post-harvest losses that inflate food costs.
Security for farmers – Addressing banditry and rural violence to keep production steady.
Encouraging private sector Investment building resilience through public private partnerships.