Nigeria’s agricultural sector is under growing strain as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports a sharp 28.98% increase in the cost of farm produce between January and May 2025.
The farm produce price index, which stood at 110.5 in January, spiked to 142.53 by May, with the most significant jump—22.28%—recorded between April and May. This rapid escalation signals intensifying inflationary pressure, largely linked to worsening insecurity disrupting agricultural production, particularly in Nigeria’s food-producing regions.
The NBS noted that insecurity in states such as Benue, a key player in the nation’s food supply chain, continues to hinder farming activities. Despite a brief improvement in Benue’s food inflation figures—from 51.8% year-on-year in April to 22.0% in May—local prices remain volatile. The state still recorded a 4.1% monthly increase in food costs in May, alongside a 3.1% rise in general consumer prices.
Nationally, the gradual climb in farm produce prices was initially moderate:
January to February: up 1.77%
February to March: up 2.65%
March to April: up 0.88%
April to May: up 22.28%
This trend underscores the fragile state of domestic food supply, worsened by frequent attacks on farmers, displacement, and abandoned farmlands.
In contrast, imported food prices showed more stability. The Imported Food Price Index rose modestly from 111.5 in January to a peak of 115.3 in April before dropping slightly to 113.7 in May. Nigerians imported ₦1.67 trillion worth of food and beverages between January and March 2025—5% higher than the ₦1.59 trillion recorded in the same period of 2024.
While imported food prices remain relatively steady, the NBS data suggests Nigeria’s dependence on external supply chains may be cushioning domestic shortfalls—but not without cost implications.
Analysts warn that unless urgent action is taken to restore security in agricultural regions and strengthen domestic food production, food inflation could worsen, deepening hunger and economic hardship across the country.
