FG turning food prices into political weapon, says ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized the Federal Government for what it described as misleading claims about improved local food production across Nigeria.

The party argued that the government’s narrative does not reflect the reality on the ground, especially given the worsening insecurity and mass displacement of farmers, particularly in northern Nigeria.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC questioned the rationale behind hoarding imported food while millions of Nigerians face hunger, describing it as a deliberate weaponisation of poverty for political advantage.

The ADC called for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s agricultural strategy, urging the government to implement policies that protect local production, stabilise food prices, safeguard farmers’ lives, and ensure long-term food sovereignty.

“The ADC is deeply concerned about the Federal Government’s misleading narrative around the so-called drop in food prices. Contrary to what is being celebrated in official circles, the reality on the ground—as confirmed by struggling farmers and families across the country—is that the Tinubu administration is manipulating food prices and weaponising hunger for political gains,” the statement said.

The party said the reported reduction in food prices is artificial and driven by import waivers that have flooded the market with cheap foreign food.

“This is neither evidence of sound economic policy nor proof of increased local production. While it may temporarily reduce food prices, it comes at a heavy cost to local farmers who can no longer compete due to rising input prices, particularly fertilisers, and worsening insecurity,” the ADC said.

The party further described as “strange and dishonest” the government’s claim that its policies are boosting domestic production at a time when many farmers have been displaced by bandits.

“How can production be increasing when the rural economy is under siege by bandits and the cost of planting is now beyond the reach of the average farmer?” the statement added.