Senate has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently intervene to protect Nigerian farmers from the sharp decline in prices of agricultural produce, warning that failure to act could endanger millions of livelihoods and further weaken the nation’s food security.
The appeal followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central), who drew attention to the widening gap between falling prices of farm produce and the persistently high cost of agricultural inputs.
While commending the Federal Government for measures that have helped reduce food prices nationwide—particularly the granting of waivers and approvals for large-scale food importation—the Senate noted that the policy has had unintended negative effects on local farmers.
Lawmakers observed that although consumers have benefited from lower food prices, farmers are bearing the burden, as the cost of critical inputs such as fertilisers, pesticides and insecticides remains extremely high.
Senator Goje warned that the situation poses a serious threat to millions of smallholder farmers who form the backbone of Nigeria’s food production system and rely almost entirely on farming for survival.
Supporting the motion, Senator Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto North) stressed the need for balanced policies that ensure affordable food for consumers while guaranteeing sustainable incomes for farmers. He emphasized that addressing the high cost of farm inputs is essential to boosting agricultural productivity.
Senator Dandutse Mohammed (Katsina South) described the motion as timely, noting that more than 60 per cent of Nigerians depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. He expressed concern over reports that fertiliser prices have climbed above ₦60,000 per bag, even as produce prices continue to fall. He warned that unchecked food importation and the absence of adequate subsidies are hurting local farmers and worsening insecurity.
Other lawmakers raised additional concerns. Senator Steve Karimi (Kogi West) pointed to insecurity in farming communities as a major obstacle to food production, while Senator Idiat Adebule (Lagos West) questioned how state governments are supporting federal agricultural initiatives.
Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) acknowledged that temporary easing of border controls during food shortages may be necessary, but insisted that farmers must be supported through affordable inputs and stable pricing to sustain production.
The Senate cautioned that excessive reliance on food imports could weaken Nigeria’s food sovereignty, disrupt local markets, undermine domestic value chains, and expose the economy to global price fluctuations and foreign exchange pressures.
Lawmakers also stressed the importance of stronger coordination among ministries, departments and agencies, state governments, commodity boards, cooperatives and other stakeholders to ensure fair pricing, adequate storage, efficient transportation and improved market access.
As part of its resolutions, the Senate urged the Federal Government to introduce a Special Emergency Intervention Package to cushion farmers affected by the current price collapse and protect household incomes.
It also called for the establishment of a Benchmark Minimum Price Framework for major agricultural commodities, alongside a Guaranteed Off-take Programme that would allow government to purchase produce directly from farmers at agreed minimum prices to stabilise the market.
In addition, the Senate advocated for expanded subsidies on fertilisers and other farm inputs, as well as increased investment in key agricultural infrastructure such as storage facilities, rural roads, processing centres and irrigation systems to reduce post-harvest losses and improve farmers’ profitability.
