By Marian Diallo
Kaduna, Nigeria — Agricultural non-state actors in Nigeria have raised alarm over a sharp collapse in farm-gate prices following federal government import waivers, warning that the situation threatens farmer livelihoods and national food security.
The coalition, made up of farmer associations, cooperatives, agribusiness groups, youth and women agripreneurs, processors, and civil society organizations, presented findings from a crop market analysis focused on Kaduna State and the Northwest region. According to the group, prices of major commodities have fallen dramatically within one year.
Maize prices reportedly dropped from ₦550,000 per ton in December 2024 to ₦240,000 per ton in December 2025, representing a loss of ₦310,000 per ton. Sorghum declined from ₦630,000 to ₦260,000 per ton, while rice fell from ₦630,000 to ₦371,000 per ton.
The coalition estimates that farmers are now losing between ₦777,000 and ₦1.24 million per hectare, a situation they say has wiped out profits and made loan repayments impossible. They described the crisis as a “market failure, not a farm failure,” blaming weak post-harvest systems, market distortions, and an influx of cheaper imports.
While acknowledging that federal import waivers were introduced to curb inflation and improve food affordability, the group said the policy has had severe unintended consequences for local producers. They stressed that productivity gains are now translating into deeper poverty for farmers.
The agricultural groups also commended the Kaduna State Government for its support through the provision of inputs, fertilizers, mechanization, extension services, irrigation for dry-season farming, and market infrastructure. Despite increased production, they said farmers are still unable to recover costs or sustain their livelihoods.
According to the coalition, the impact on rural communities includes collapsing returns on investment, rising loan defaults within cooperatives, reduced access to education and healthcare for farm families, and declining participation of youth and women in agriculture. They warned that without urgent intervention, planting for the next season could shrink significantly, posing risks to national food security.
To address the crisis, the group called on the Federal Government to introduce a Guaranteed Minimum Price system to protect farmers during peak harvest periods. Other recommendations include strategic government purchase of key commodities for national reserves, tighter regulation of market waivers, strengthening warehouse receipt systems, expanding structured linkages with processors, and creating a national early warning and market intelligence system.
The coalition reaffirmed its willingness to partner with governments at all levels but stressed that stabilizing agricultural markets is essential for food security, rural development, and youth employment.
“A food-secure Nigeria demands a farmer-secure Nigeria,” the group said.
For further information, the coalition can be contacted through its representative, Bonet Emmanuel, at askbonet@gmail.com.
