Atiku: Tinubu’s govt imports food, abandons farmers

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, campaigning on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ticket, has criticized President Bola Tinubu's government for allowing Nigeria to lose billions in agricultural export earnings while farmers face insecurity and manufacturers grapple with high production costs. Atiku asserts that while the administration pledged to foster a productive economy, it has instead allowed Nigeria to export crops and relinquish valuable processing jobs.

The former vice president highlighted a stark reversal in Nigeria's agricultural trade figures, with a $740.27 billion surplus in the first half of 2025 turning into a $56.13 billion deficit in the same period of 2026—a loss of $796.40 billion in just one year. Atiku emphasized that agricultural exports fell by 33.3%, significantly outpacing the decline in imports.

He questioned how Tinubu's government could claim to be reforming the economy when farmers and manufacturers are being squeezed on both sides. Atiku argued that the government must provide tangible solutions to ensure that farming remains safe, transport of produce is affordable, processing plants are economically viable, and selling finished Nigerian products abroad is profitable.

Nigeria's significant agricultural exports, such as cashew nuts and cocoa beans, underscore the potential for domestic processing. Atiku stressed that by retaining processing jobs domestically, Nigeria could generate more value. He pointed out that while the government claims to focus on job creation, manufacturers struggle to compete and producers endure increased costs.

Atiku proposed a production subsidy for locally refined petroleum products to support Nigerian refineries, aiming to keep more value within the country. However, he criticized the government's Clean Fuel Programme (CNG), stating it has been ineffective as a relief measure due to high costs, limited accessibility, and unavailability of buses for many in need. He argued that the benefits of local refining extend beyond fuel prices, affecting cooking costs and industry productivity.

Atiku pledged that his administration would introduce a transparent production subsidy from the outset, supporting farmers and processors equally. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to benefit directly from their resources, from cultivation to refined products, to create jobs and improve the affordability of living.