Tinubu govt imports food, abandons Nigerian farmers – Atiku

Former Vice President and presidential contender of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu for fostering a growing reliance on food imports and neglecting Nigerian farmers. According to Atiku, the Nigerian agricultural trade balance shifted from a surplus of N740.27 billion in the first half of 2025 to a deficit of N56.13 billion in the same period of 2026, resulting in a N796.40 billion reversal.

Importantly, agricultural exports declined by 33.3% year-on-year to N1.98 trillion in H1 2026, while imports decreased by 8.5% to N2.03 trillion. Atiku argued that the government's actions could not be deemed economic reform, as local farmers and businesses responsible for processing the crops were being squeezed from multiple directions.

The presidential aspirant also questioned the administration's efforts to make farming more viable, facilitate the transportation of produce, operate processing plants more efficiently, and enhance the profitability of selling Nigerian products abroad. Furthermore, Atiku highlighted that Nigeria's top agricultural exports comprise items like cashew nuts in shell and cocoa beans, suggesting that the nation could retain a greater portion of value by enhancing domestic processing.

The latest data indicate that agricultural exports plunged to N802.99 billion from N1.26 trillion a year prior, while agricultural imports surged to N1.20 trillion. Tinubu's administration must address the issues farmers and producers face before claiming any credit for the improvements witnessed, Atiku concluded.