Why food prices remain high despite increased production – Minister

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has stated that food production has increased under the President Bola Tinubu administration, yet food prices remain high. This is due to issues in processing and distribution, which restrain consumers from reaping the full benefits of the increased production. Kyari attributes Nigeria's ongoing reliance on food imports to population growth, low agricultural productivity, and the high cost of farm inputs and production.

He explained that the government has made significant progress in food production, with farm-gate prices falling, yet consumers have yet to fully benefit due to challenges between the point of production and the market. The government aims to reduce processed food imports by enhancing mechanisation, local processing, and the establishment of Special Agro-Processing Zones.

Kyari also highlighted that improved security has enabled farmers to access farmlands previously deemed inaccessible due to insecurity. He further mentioned that the 2026 agricultural production figures are expected in October or November, projecting that they will surpass the 2025 bumper harvest.