Tinubu Launches New Initiative to Curb Rising Food Prices in Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) committee to urgently roll out measures that will bring down food prices across the country.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, revealed this on Wednesday during a capacity-building workshop for Senate correspondents in Abuja.

According to him, the President’s new directive centres on creating a “safe passage” for farm produce and food commodities across major routes to reduce logistics costs, which have been worsened by insecurity and rising transport fares.

“The President has given a matching order… on how we are going to promote safe passage of agricultural foods and commodities across our various routes in the country,” Abdullahi explained.

Nigeria has been grappling with severe food insecurity since the removal of fuel subsidy, skyrocketing transportation costs, and persistent attacks on highways disrupted the smooth movement of goods. Despite interventions, many households still struggle as food prices remain out of reach for millions.

The minister added that the plan ties into Tinubu’s food sovereignty agenda, making sure Nigerians not only have enough food but also that it is affordable, accessible, and nutritious.

To back this up, the government is preparing to launch a Farmer Soil Health Scheme to boost productivity and a revamped cooperative reform initiative aimed at mobilising resources and empowering rural farmers.

“Mr. President has shown tremendous interest in the cooperative sector as a tool for resource mobilisation, economic activity generation, and improving livelihoods,” Abdullahi said.

The event also featured Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Media Committee; Senator Ita Solomon Enang, a former presidential aide; and Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of NILDS.

For millions of Nigerians, the real test will be whether this latest push can finally bring lasting relief at the markets.