Business
Food Price Hike Amid N1.25tn Agric Budget Bothers Operators
Farmers and other stakeholders have expressed concern over high prices of food items in the market amid its availability, saying this does not speak well of the over N1.25trillion federal budget approved for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in three years to manage the sector.
Although they noted that the correlation between food prices and the federal budgets for agriculture was slim, they wondered why food prices had continued to rise despite being available.
Farmers under the aegis of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) also raised concerns about the devaluation of the naira, as they explained that this was also a significant factor that had made food unaffordable despite the over N1tn federal agriculture budgets in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
The concerns by farmers were further amplified by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry which declared on Saturday that the persistent hike in food prices was currently worsening poverty levels across the country.
In 2022, the agriculture ministry got the approval of N71.84bn as personnel cost, N3.7bn for overhead, and N386.65bn for capital projects, making a total allocation of N462.2bn.
The total budgetary allocation dropped to N426.99bn in 2023, as personnel cost was N80.94bn; overhead, N4.5bn; while capital project allocation was N341.6bn.
There was a further drop in the ministry’s 2024 budget, as its total allocation was N362.94bn, comprising personnel cost of N102.1bn, overhead was N8.1bn, while the capital project was put at N252.7bn.
President of AFAN, Kabir Ibrahim, in an interview with newsmen, said the budgets have had little impact on food prices, as the commodities have remained high despite the hundreds of billions of naira budgets to the agriculture ministry, whether in states or at the federal level.
On why the budgets seem not to have impacted food prices across the country, the AFAN President explained that though there is some level of food availability in Nigeria, the food items were unaffordable.
“You should look at food availability and not the cost of food. Yes, there is a relationship that when there is availability and demand, there could be affordable prices, but in Nigeria, I don’t think that relationship holds because the devaluation of the naira has caused so much turbulence.
“Many things are astronomically high based on our income and the value of our currency. The turbulence in our economy today is also due to the devaluation of the naira”, he stated.
On whether there is food availability in Nigeria currently, Ibrahim replied, “Honestly I had this argument with some people on Good Morning Nigeria show on NTA. Now, go to any food market and ask them for food.
“You will find out that there is always food but it is very costly. Have you searched for any food item and it is not available? Except probably the vegetables now, and this is because most of us don’t practice greenhouse farming, but the open production of vegetables and the rainy season are not supportive of that.
“So, you may find a scarcity of tomatoes, peppers and all that. But this is normal, we have always had it like this during similar periods when there was rain. Otherwise, you can’t say that you went to the market and there is no rice, beans, etc. They are there now but they are costly.
“Therefore, what we are experiencing is lack of affordability, not lack of availability. That is the difference. We have been talking about attaining food security and this means that food has to be available and affordable. Once it is not affordable for you and me, then it is as good as not there”.
Ibrahim, however, noted that the reduction in budgetary allocations between 2022 and 2024 had no significant correlation with the high cost of food items in the market.
“I don’t think there is any nexus between the drop in the national budget and the cost of food, because if you ask yourself, what is the performance of the budget so far? How much of the budget has been released to the agriculture ministry?
“So, the Federal Government is meant to create an enabling environment for the country, though farming activities take place in the states and Local Governments. When you look at the budget details, is there anywhere in it where farmers are given money to go and produce food?
“The government itself doesn’t have a farm. Also, when you look at this year’s budget, we are now in June and I don’t think that we have had up to 15 per cent of budget performance”, Ibrahim stated.
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The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has pledged its full support for Nigeria’s bid to return to Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council.
It also commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its transformative role in maritime security and governance.
Speaking in Lagos over the weekend, President-General of the Union, Comrade Francis Bunu, lauded NIMASA’s significant achievements, particularly in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
He noted that the Agency’s efforts have significantly improved safety and stability on Nigerian waters.
“We now have peace on our waters, and this achievement is commendable. It also enhances regional stability and boosts investor confidence,” Bunu stated, citing NIMASA’s commitment to maritime safety as a key driver of Nigeria’s growing prominence in global maritime affairs.
Comrade Bunu further pledged that MWUN would mobilise support through its international affiliates to advocate for Nigeria’s IMO Council bid, emphasising that the country has both the expertise and leadership to make meaningful contributions on the global maritime stage.
“Nigeria is long overdue for a return to the IMO Council. A vote for Nigeria is a vote for Africa”, he asserted.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, describing it as a “bold and visionary step” that will unlock investment opportunities and create employment across the maritime sector.
“The creation of the Ministry is a strategic move that aligns with global trends. It opens new economic frontiers and supports our youth through job creation and skills development within the blue economy space”, Bunu stated.
Reaffirming the Union’s commitment to collaboration, the MWUN leader assured stakeholders of continued engagement aimed at fostering industrial harmony, particularly within the dock labour sub-sector.
“Under my leadership, MWUN will continue to work with all maritime stakeholders to ensure peace, progress, and sustained sectoral growth”, he pledged.
As the world looks ahead to the 2025 Day of the Seafarer, themed “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”, Bunu emphasised the importance of sustainable ocean governance and the critical role of seafarers in global trade.
“MWUN remains steadfast in its advocacy for seafarers’ rights, decent work conditions, and responsible stewardship of our ocean resources. Nigerian seafarers deserve our gratitude for their immense contributions to global commerce”, he said.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
The Federal Government has taken steps to review Nigeria’s agricultural laws to promote the development and enhance food and nutrition security in the country.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, stated this recently at the opening of the stakeholders’ workshop and input on the Nigeria Agricultural Laws Reform in Abuja.
Abdullahi said these laws, which are the subjects of review or amendment, have been enacted for a very long time to provide the legal frameworks for the promotion and development of the agricultural sector.
“The sector’s dynamism is evident in the shift from traditional farming practices to more modern techniques, diversification of crops and livestock, as well as adaptation to changing weather patterns.
“This is in addition to the challenges of insecurity, climate change and high input costs which continued to affect agricultural inputs.
“In view of the above, it is imperative to formulate legal frameworks to facilitate the key aspects of improvement in Nigerian agriculture aimed at addressing the problems affecting the sector”, he said.
Noting government policies and initiatives are aimed to boost agricultural production to meet the food needs of the growing population, Abdullahi said efforts were being made to support small holder farmers through access to finance, training and technology.
He also said there was growing awareness of the need to address gender inequality in agriculture and empowering women to participate in decision-making and access resources.
The Minister further said the review of the Nigerian Co-operative Societies Act was a priority, as it was intended to feature among the President’s legacy achievements under his Cooperative Revamp and Reform Initiative.
According to him, “Federal Government’s approach to agriculture is multifaceted, encompassing policy development, financial support and infrastructural development.
“The goal is to create a thriving and sustainable agricultural sector that can contribute to food security, economic growth and overall well-being of Nigerians”.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, said a strong and robust legal framework was crucial for the agricultural sector.
Earlier, the Director, Legal Services in the ministry, Mr. Isimbabi Garba, underscored the urgent need to reform and reposition Nigeria’s legal framework to support a modern, vibrant, and resilient agricultural economy.
Garba said the event also represented a significant step towards strengthening the country’s agricultural sector and ensuring food security for the nation, adding, “Agricultural law reform is crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth, food security and sustainable development.
“The law plays a significant role in shaping the agricultural sector, and updating our laws will help us address emerging challenges and opportunities”.
Business
Okpebholo Charges Committee To End Herders, Farmers Clash In Edo … Inaugurates Boundary Committee
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has charged the newly established Livestock Control Committee to bring to an end the pervasive clashes between herders and farmers.
He gave the charge while inaugurating the 27-member committee, headed by a retired army general, Cecil Esekhaigbe.
The Governor gave the committee a clear mandate, which include tackling the pressing issues of security and land disputes in the State.
“There is a task that we need to handle carefully while this assignment is being carried out. We have to carry it out with the fear of God so that we can have the best time and result. We can see what is happening today. Herders clash here and there.
“You have to confine them to a particular location. That is the essence of this committee. I have people with a wealth of experience on the committee. So, I believe that with God on our side, we are going to achieve our purpose”, he said.
In his remark, Chairman of the committee, General Esekhaigbe (rtd), outlined the committee’s specific terms of reference which include, “regulating the movement of livestock within the State; inspecting, certifying, and registering all ranches; and controlling the activities of cattle herdsmen within various communities.
“I know security is one of the pillars of your five-point agenda, and we all know that one of the causative factors of insecurity in Nigeria as a whole is farming.
“We will do our best to make sure that our assignment, which has been given to us, is carried out to the best of our abilities. And to ensure that these community clashes in farmers’ areas will not be mentioned in our dear state.”
In a related development, Governor Okpebholo also inaugurated a high-powered Boundary Committee, chaired by the State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa.
The committee is tasked with the responsibility of addressing persistent boundary disputes affecting communities within the State and those bordering neighbouring States.
“I am happy to see this moment because communities, especially the ones that share boundaries with us, have issues that border on clear landmarks.
“We have Lagos, we have Ondo, we have Delta, we have Kogi State. So, we have boundary crises here and there. For this reason, I think the people before me today are the best to handle this task for the betterment of the Edo people,” Okpebholo stated.
Responding, the Boundary Committee Chairman, Dennis Idahosa, assured that the committee will “ensure accurate boundary demarcation, promote peaceful coexistence among communities, and foster development in the areas affected by conflicts while collaborating with all stakeholders and actively engaging with citizens in fulfilling our mandate.”
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