The House of Representatives has called for urgent intervention to address the persistent decline in farm produce prices across Nigeria, warning that the trend threatens farmers’ livelihoods and national food security.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by a lawmaker, Bamidele Salam, who raised concerns over the sharp drop in prices of key agricultural commodities, including cassava, rice and yams.
Lawmakers noted that agriculture remains a vital pillar of Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to gross domestic product, providing employment, and sustaining millions of rural households.
They observed that the drastic fall in farm-gate prices has led to heavy financial losses for farmers, many of whom invested in seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals, transportation, and labour, often through loans and cooperative financing.
The House warned that if the situation persists, it could push farmers out of business, reduce agricultural output and deepen poverty in rural communities.
It further noted that the absence of structured off-taking mechanisms, coupled with inadequate storage facilities and weak agro-processing capacity, has worsened post-harvest losses and exposed farmers to market volatility.
Lawmakers also pointed to poor market linkages as a key challenge, limiting farmers’ access to fair pricing and efficient distribution channels for their produce.
They expressed concern that continued price instability could discourage investment in agriculture, trigger food shortages and increase Nigeria’s reliance on food imports.
The House highlighted the broader implications for national nutrition, warning that disruptions to agricultural supply chains could reduce access to affordable, nutritious food, especially among vulnerable populations.
It acknowledged the importance of government intervention through price stabilisation measures such as buffer stock programmes and structured commodity off-taking systems.
Consequently, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to implement immediate measures, including price support mechanisms and structured off-taking arrangements, to protect farmers.
The House also mandated its Committee on Agricultural Production and Services to investigate the causes of the price decline and report within two weeks, while emphasising the need for sustainable policies to stabilise prices, protect investments, and ensure long-term food security.
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