Atiku Accuses Tinubu Govt of Abandoning Farmers, Importing Food

Former Vice President and presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu's administration of abandoning Nigeria's farmers and importing food while agricultural exports decline. In a statement, Atiku cited a ₦796.40 billion reversal in the country's agricultural trade, with exports falling by 33.3% in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year.

He questioned the government's efforts to improve security for farmers, reduce production costs, and make local processing and manufacturing more viable. Atiku argued that Nigeria's leading agricultural exports, such as cashew nuts and cocoa beans, could be processed domestically to retain more value. He defended his proposed production subsidy for Nigerian-refined petroleum products, stating it would be budgeted, audited, and cap the support to qualifying products.

Atiku also criticized the Tinubu administration's Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, saying it is an ineffective relief measure that benefits few and leaves many without access to promised benefits. If elected, Atiku pledged to restore a production subsidy from Day One, backing farmers and processors, and to make Nigeria's natural and agricultural resources affordable for citizens.