Ododo’s Policies Driving Down Food Costs In Kogi —State Commissioner

News in brief:

-Prices of key staples in Kogi have dropped significantly, driven by increased farm production, better infrastructure, and government action against hoarding.

-Over one million cashew and palm seedlings were planted this year, expected to inject over ₦100 billion into Kogi’s agro-economy, while new partnerships like Produce for Lagos are strengthening Nigeria’s food security.

For many families in Nigeria, skyrocketing food prices have been one of the most burdensome challenges to bear. Meanwhile, residents of Kogi State are beginning to feel some relief at the markets. The state government links recent declines in the prices of rice, yams, cassava, maize, and other staples to Governor Ahmed Ododo’s agricultural policies.

Food Prices Fall Across Local Markets

According to Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, the government’s interventions have boosted food production and curbed hoarding by middlemen. He explained that this combination has helped stabilise supply and lower the cost of essential food items.

A recent market survey highlights the changes. A 50kg bag of rice, which cost about ₦85,000 in March, now sells for between ₦62,000 and ₦65,000. A medium tuber of yams has dropped from ₦2,000 to ₦1,200, while a paint bucket of garri (cassava flakes) has fallen from ₦3,500 to ₦2,400. Prices of maize and corn have also gone down across the state.

“The crash in food prices is not accidental. It is the result of structured support to farmers through agricultural programmes like ACReSAL, the distribution of improved seedlings, and rural road construction under the RAAMP project,” Fanwo said.

Checking Hoarding and Artificial Scarcity

One of the challenges often faced by Nigerian farmers and consumers is the activities of middlemen who hoard produce to drive up prices. Fanwo noted that Kogi State has set up strict monitoring systems to stop such practices.

“Our policy is clear: no one will be allowed to exploit Kogites by stockpiling foodstuffs. We will continue to monitor markets to ensure availability and affordability,” he stated.

He added that bumper harvests this season have made hoarding less attractive, showing that sustained agricultural development in Nigeria can weaken exploitative practices.

Investing in Long-Term Food Security

Beyond immediate price relief, the Kogi State government is also investing in long-term strategies to secure food production. Fanwo revealed that more than one million cashew and palm seedlings were planted in the state this year. These crops, once matured, are expected to inject over ₦100 billion into Kogi’s agro-economy within the next three years.

The Commissioner stressed that agriculture remains central to the Ododo administration’s plan for food security, job creation, and economic growth. He added that investors are already showing interest in the state’s expanding agricultural sector.

Kogi Partners with Lagos on Food Supply

Highlighting the wider impact of Kogi’s progress, Fanwo pointed to the recent partnership with Lagos State under the “Produce for Lagos” programme. Backed by a ₦500 billion agribusiness fund, the initiative will see Kogi supplying food to Nigeria’s largest urban market, positioning the state as a key player in the country’s food security drive.