President Tinubu orders swift action to cut food prices, directing a FEC committee to ensure safe and affordable transport of farm produce nationwide

Tinubu food price reduction efforts have intensified, with the President directing a high-level Federal Executive Council (FEC) committee to implement urgent measures aimed at easing food costs for Nigerians.

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The announcement was made on Wednesday in Abuja by Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, who said the directive focuses on facilitating the safe passage of farm produce across Nigeria to reduce transportation-related inflation.

“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 said during a Senate correspondents’ workshop.

The initiative addresses a core factor behind Nigeria’s rising food prices—skyrocketing logistics costs caused by insecurity, poor infrastructure, and the removal of fuel subsidy.

Farmers and food distributors have increasingly faced security threats on highways, leading to delays, losses, and higher consumer prices.

The Minister stressed that Tinubu’s food agenda is about more than just availability—it’s a long-term strategy to ensure affordability, accessibility, and nutrition.

“Food security must move beyond silos and warehouses. It must reflect in the average Nigerian’s ability to afford and access nutritious food,” Abdullahi added.

To boost productivity and sustainability, the government is launching a Farmer Soil Health Scheme aimed at improving crop yields through better soil management.

In parallel, a revamped cooperative reform initiative will be introduced to mobilise rural resources and empower local farmers, a sector Tinubu sees as vital to achieving food sovereignty.

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

Nigeria continues to battle rising food insecurity, worsened by inflation, climate change, and insecurity in agricultural zones.

While the Central Bank and state governments have rolled out intervention programmes, food remains largely unaffordable for millions.

Analysts believe this new directive from Tinubu is an acknowledgment of growing public pressure and may serve as a confidence booster for investors in the agro-logistics value chain.

The event where the announcement was made—a capacity-building workshop for Senate correspondents—also featured:

•  Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chair of the Senate Media Committee
•  Former presidential aide Senator Ita Solomon Enang
• NILDS DG, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman

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The conversation focused on how effective reporting can amplify public accountability in policy implementation, particularly on urgent issues like food security.