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High food prices threaten households’ incomes • More families on the brink

Published

4 years ago

August 29, 2022

Foodstuffs

Rising costs of food prices and essentials are increasingly reducing households’ disposable incomes and pushing more families to the brink of poverty.

Experts said insecurity and high energy prices have further widened the fault lines and limited the ability of the country to bridge its huge food demand with domestic supply. With the global food crisis being fuelled by the Russia-Ukraine escalation, Nigeria’s food insecurity could worsen without urgent measures.

Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, said Nigerians spend 57 per cent of their income on food alone, adding that domestic food prices remain high and the global food price index hit record high last month. He said growing food prices could push an additional six million people into poverty.

“An acute lack of funding and credit, limited access to markets, lack of access to information, low use of mechanisation, transportation and logistics to smallholder farmers are the main challenges facing the agricultural industry,” Rewane said.

The economist explained that flour and diesel, which are the major costs components in the baking of bread, accounts for 70 per cent and 15 per cent of the total costs.

“This is likely to push upwards the price of a loaf of bread from N800 two months ago to N900. In spite of the price surge, wages have remained static or even declined in real terms. Consequently, price resistance of consumers is increasing and many are switching to affordable substitutes. In some cases, as is empirically evident, we have noticed a drop in the quantity of goods demanded. Since price inflation is not a Nigeria-specific phenomenon, there are indications that the price spiral is not likely to be short-lived,” Rewane said.

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He explained that while an increase in interest rate is intended to reduce market liquidity and taper inflationary pressure, Nigeria’s inflation stoking factors appear to be more structural and cost-push.

“Monetary policies are usually less effective in addressing supply-induced inflationary pressure. Hence, inflationary pressures could persist if monetary tightening is not complemented by structural reforms and fiscal policy responses.

“We expect consumer price inflation to remain elevated in the coming months due to the lingering economic shocks from the Russian-Ukraine war. This will be further compounded by currency pressures. While the Naira is expected to appreciate marginally in the short-term as party delegates continue to sell their spoils, it is likely to be short-lived as Nigeria continues to grapple with a drop in dollar inflows,” Rewane said.

Managing Director, Centre for the Promotion of private Enterprise (CPPE) Dr. Muda Yusuf, agreed that the soaring cost of energy had taken a toll on food prices. He explained that with the rising cost of diesel, which has increased by over 500 per cent, the cost of aviation fuel, which has gone up by another 400 per cent and the cost of gas, which has increased by over 100 per cent, food movement and other food logistics had been grossly impacted.

“The cost of transportation has reached unprecedented levels, especially the cost of haulage, because of the escalating cost of diesel. Costs of operation and production have gone up from between 30 and 100 per cent as a result of this and also the exchange rate crisis. So, the final consumers have to bear the brunt, unfortunately,” Yusuf said.

According to him, the worsening insecurity is also a major contributor to the food challenge the country faces. He noted operators in the food chain, especially industrialists, in the agro-allied sector are grappling with challenges of getting raw materials from the crop producing areas.

“It is on record that bandits and terrorists have kept farmers at home and, in some cases, said to be collecting rents from farmers to allow them farm.

“This has continued to negatively impact capacity utilisation, turnover, cost of production and the value delivery to shareholders. Some source raw materials from neighbouring West African countries as they cannot get same here due to the insecurity issues which has prevented farmers to be on their farms,” Yusuf said.

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Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Lagos State Branch, Otunba Femi Oke, warned that a 100 kg bag price of beans could sell for more than N100,000 from October, if farmers are not allowed to establish vigilante groups to protect their farmland.

He urged the government to confront the impact of the current security crisis on strategic food commodities.

Aside from Boko Haram insurgency crisis, he noted that banditry across farmlands has taken a toll on sector, driving farmers away from cultivating crops and putting a strain on food production.

Oke warned that insecurity was going to drive an acute rise in food prices with the gruesome activities of kidnappers and bandits displacing farming communities and limiting agricultural production. He expressed concerns that banditry threat has caused several farmers to flee the tense states such as Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, deserted their farmlands where beans and other food items are cultivated escaped for safety.

Experts maintained that supply chains for food raw materials imports into Africa continue to be impacted by Russia’s war in Ukraine, so competition for alternative resources among local producers remains high.

Data from the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that food prices in the country were 22.02 percent higher in July than same month last year. Items most responsible for this food inflation were bread, cereals, tubers, meat, fish, oil, and fat, the NBS noted.

The price of flour and diesel spiked by 76.7 per cent and 209.37 per cent to N26,500/ bag and N750/ litre respectively between last year and now. Prices of wheat, which is a major input for the production of bread, spaghetti, noodles, macaroni and many others, have risen astronomically. The product, which, last year, sold for between N25, 000 and N26, 000 per 100kg, now goes for as much as N39, 000 to N40, 000, depending on the market.

Accordingly, prices of food products which have wheat as major ingredient particularly bread have soared compared to their prices before the outbreak of the war. For instance, bread has suddenly become luxury, and is fast disappearing from the menu table of most Nigerians due to increase in its prices.

For instance, a medium loaf of bread costs between N600 and 700, up from about N400 to N450. A big loaf of bread that can barely feed a family of three now costs as high as between N800 and N1, 000, depending on the brand. Similarly, macaroni, which sold for about N3, 200 last year, is now sold for N4, 800. Also, from about N2, 900 to N3, 000, last year, noodles now go for N4, 050 to N4, 200.

Further data from www.statista.com showed that food prices in Nigeria increased considerably last April when compared to April last year. It noted that Tomato, groundnut oil, and palm oil prices increased the most. In particular, the price of a kilogram of tomato grew by over 53 percent compared to the previous year, while the price of vegetable oil rose by 46 percent. Among all selected food products, none of the selected foods recorded a decrease in price. In fact, Nigeria, the research firm said, is among the countries with the highest inflation rates in the world and has recorded a fast growing Consumer Price Index (CPI).

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A report conducted primarily by United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), underlined that food insecurity in parts of Nigeria has reached “catastrophic” levels.

According to the report, 19.5 million Nigerians are “facing high levels of acute food insecurity”, including 1.2 million in an emergency, if humanitarian interventions are not scaled up and sustained. The situation remains worrisome, as over 1.7 million children under five years of age are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition through to August 2022 – a 34 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2021.

A critical highlight in the report showed that high prices of fuel and inputs, coupled with the high likelihood of poor rains in the southern and middle belt regions of the country, weigh on production prospects of the ongoing 2022 main agricultural season, raising concerns about access to food for vulnerable households.

Reflecting the high numbers of food insecurity, the report noted that the situation remains extremely concerning in the conflict-affected areas of northern Nigeria, where insecurity and access challenges are likely to persist.

The FAO and WFP report further identified the “continuing currency weakness, above-average inflation and a growing fiscal deficit in 2022, amid increasing costs of imported foods, including wheat, are likely to add pressure to prices in the outlook period.” It also pointed out that prices of local cereals in early 2022 were up to 25 per cent higher year-on-year and well above the five-year average.

A report by Quartz blames the high rise in food prices in the country on the knock-on effects of previous government policies like the two-year closure of land borders.

FAO and the WFP urged the government to distribute home-gardening inputs to IDPs and host populations to allow for the diversification of diets.

Among other things, the FAO and WFP also recommended that the government support agricultural-based livelihoods activities for the upcoming cassava, rice, maise and millet planting season starting, targeting vulnerable households with access to land for cultivation.

Oke proffered that a guarantee of security for the affected populations would encourage them to return to farm to continue food production.

The Nation

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Family of Slain NYSC Member Rejects Army’s Account, Demands Independent Probe

Published

1 hour ago

April 27, 2026

Trends Admin

Family of Slain NYSC Member Rejects Army’s Account, Demands Independent Probe

The family of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a 24-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member allegedly killed by military personnel in Abuja, has issued a detailed rebuttal challenging the Nigerian Army’s account of the circumstances surrounding his death. In a formal statement released on April 26, 2026, the family described the Army’s version of events as “false, misleading, and an affront to the memory of an innocent young man,” insisting that available evidence contradicts claims that Jamiu was caught in a crossfire during an operation against armed robbers.

Jamiu was reportedly shot dead in the early hours of April 25 at his residence in Dei-Dei Shagari Quarters, within the Federal Capital Territory. According to the family, soldiers entered the premises at about 2:00 a.m. while Jamiu was inside his room. His parents were said to be out of town attending a burial, leaving him and his sister at home. The statement alleged that military personnel fired a shot through Jamiu’s closed bedroom door, hitting him in the head and killing him instantly. The family added that the trajectory of the bullet shows it was fired from outside the room into a closed space, which they argue contradicts any claim of an exchange of gunfire.

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The Nigerian Army had earlier maintained that its personnel were pursuing armed robbers and that the fatal shooting occurred during a gun battle. However, the family dismissed this explanation, pointing to what it described as several inconsistencies. Residents in the area reportedly heard only a single gunshot—the one that killed Jamiu—with no indication of any exchange of fire. The family also said local vigilante members confirmed that no robbery incident was reported in the community that night. In addition, they questioned the manner of entry, alleging that soldiers scaled the fence and damaged barbed wire instead of entering through the gate or announcing their presence. They further noted that no suspects were arrested and no weapons were recovered, which they say undermines the military’s claim.

A central element of the family’s rebuttal is the claim that soldiers at the scene admitted the shooting was a mistake. According to the statement, this admission was made in the presence of a Divisional Police Officer and documented in a written statement. The family argued that such an admission contradicts the military’s public narrative of a lawful engagement.

The family also raised concerns about how the scene was handled after the incident, alleging that soldiers instructed local vigilante members to clean up bloodstains rather than preserve the area for proper investigation. Jamiu’s body was later taken to Kubwa General Hospital by the police, and the family said they had to go through several hours of administrative procedures before retrieving his remains for burial.

In its demands, the family called for an independent and transparent investigation outside the military’s chain of command, as well as the identification and prosecution of those responsible for the shooting. They also requested a retraction of the Army’s public statement and a formal apology. Additionally, the family posed several questions to the military authorities, including who authorised the operation, the source of the alleged robbery report, and why force was used without confirming any threat.

Describing the incident as a serious violation of the military’s duty to protect citizens, the family said it would pursue all legal and institutional avenues to ensure accountability. They maintained that Abdulsamad Jamiu was unarmed, inside his room, and posed no threat at the time he was killed. The case has since drawn public attention, with calls for justice circulating on social media under the hashtag #JusticeForAbdulsamad.

Family of Slain NYSC Member Rejects Army’s Account, Demands Independent Probe

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Kwara Govt Links Bukola Saraki to 2018 Offa Robbery Case

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3 hours ago

April 27, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki

Kwara Govt Links Bukola Saraki to 2018 Offa Robbery Case

The Kwara State Government has urged former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and other accused persons to defend themselves in court over fresh allegations linking them to the 2018 Offa armed robbery case, insisting that the matter must be resolved strictly through judicial proceedings.

The state government, in a statement issued by Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said the new 20-count charges filed on April 9, 2026, also involve former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, his former Chief of Staff Yusuf Abdulwahab, and aide Alabi Olalekan Ahmed.

The government alleged that the defendants supported and supplied arms to individuals connected to the deadly robbery attack that occurred in Offa, Kwara State in 2018, an incident that led to multiple deaths and widespread public outrage at the time.

The administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq stated that the fresh charges are based on evidence already obtained during earlier investigations and court proceedings related to the robbery case. It claimed that weapons and other exhibits allegedly linked to the crime were recovered from the Government House in 2018 and later presented as evidence during the prosecution of the principal suspects.

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The government also referenced the Court of Appeal judgment which upheld the conviction of some of the suspects, including Ayo Akinnibosun, who allegedly made confessional statements during trial linking certain political figures to the incident.

The state government maintained that the decision to file new charges is not politically motivated but a constitutional responsibility to act on available evidence. Commissioner Olukoju stressed that ignoring such evidence would amount to dereliction of duty, adding that all individuals must be treated equally under the law, regardless of political status or influence. She explained that only the courts have the authority to determine guilt or innocence, not the government or public opinion, and insisted that the prosecution process must be strictly followed.

In response, Saraki has denied any involvement in the Offa robbery case, describing the renewed charges as a politically motivated attempt to tarnish his image and reputation. He maintained that the allegations are unfounded and expressed confidence that he would clear his name in court, insisting that the matter is being used to pursue political interests.

The 2018 Offa robbery remains one of the most violent incidents in Kwara State’s recent history, involving coordinated attacks on banks that resulted in multiple deaths, including security personnel and civilians. Several suspects were arrested and prosecuted, with some convictions later upheld on appeal. The case has continued to generate political controversy due to alleged links between some convicted individuals and high-profile political actors.

The Kwara State Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability and justice, stressing that the new charges are based on its constitutional duty to act on credible evidence. It added that only the courts have the authority to determine guilt or innocence, urging all defendants to present their defence in line with due legal process.

Kwara Govt Links Bukola Saraki to 2018 Offa Robbery Case

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Gunmen Attack Benue Mourners, Kill Three, Abduct Two

Published

3 hours ago

April 27, 2026

Trends Admin

Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet

Gunmen Kill Three Mourners, Kidnap Two in Fresh Benue Attack

Gunmen on Saturday night attacked mourners returning from a burial in Sati-Ikov Council Ward of Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State, killing three people and abducting two others in what residents described as a worsening wave of violence in the area.

Residents who spoke on Sunday said the attackers ambushed the victims near the community shortly after the burial ceremony, opening fire on them and causing panic.

A local source, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, said the assailants—suspected to be armed militias—targeted the mourners along the road leading into Sati-Ikov.

“Some mourners coming from a burial were attacked near our community on Saturday night. Three of them were killed, and two others—a male and a female—were kidnapped,” the source said.

The lawmaker representing Ushongo Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Simon Gabo, confirmed the incident and condemned the persistent attacks, describing the situation as alarming.

He identified the deceased as Bem Msughter from Mbakyombo (Daav-Ikov), Aondo Chia from Mbamegh (Daav-Ikov), and Sunday Terwase from Mbakyor (Daav-Ikov).

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According to him, the abducted victims include Aondongu Amos, a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator based in Sati-Ikov, and Mrs. Arinze, an Igbo patent medicine trader in the area.

Gabo, who also serves as the Deputy Majority Chief Whip of the Assembly, said the latest attack is part of a troubling pattern of violence that has intensified over the past two weeks.

“I received a call from my people around 4 a.m. that mourners returning from a burial ran into armed men. The attackers shot and killed three of them, robbed others, and kidnapped two people,” he said.

He further revealed that similar attacks have occurred repeatedly in recent weeks, including an incident about two weeks ago in which three persons were also killed.

The lawmaker attributed the recurring violence to armed groups believed to be crossing into Ushongo from neighbouring Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.

“They cross from there to our side, carry out attacks, and retreat. The terrain is difficult—mountainous with dense forests—which makes security operations challenging,” he explained.

Security sources indicated that the incident has been reported to the police, and operatives have since been deployed to the affected community to restore calm and begin investigations.

Efforts to get official confirmation from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report, as the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached.

The latest killings have heightened fear among residents, with many calling for increased security presence and more proactive measures to curb the growing insecurity in rural parts of the state.

The attack underscores ongoing concerns over rising violence in Benue communities, particularly in border areas where armed groups exploit difficult terrain to launch assaults and evade capture.