Nigeria’s House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the continued drop in farm produce prices across the country, raising concerns about the impact on farmers’ incomes, food production, and national nutrition.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion moved during plenary by Bamidele Salam, who warned that the sharp decline in prices is affecting farmers growing staple crops and perishable commodities such as cassava, rice, yam, and other agricultural produce.
Salam told lawmakers that many farmers are now facing major financial losses after investing heavily in seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals, transportation, and labour.
He noted that many of these investments were funded through loans and cooperative schemes, leaving farmers exposed as market prices continue to fall.
The declining prices are also affecting confidence in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, particularly among smallholder farmers who depend on crop sales for income and reinvestment.
Lower earnings could limit future planting seasons, reduce output, and weaken efforts to improve domestic food production.
The lawmaker said the situation has been worsened by the absence of structured off-taking systems that guarantee buyers for farmers after harvest.
He also pointed to poor storage infrastructure, weak agro-processing capacity, and limited market access as major factors increasing post-harvest losses and forcing farmers to sell produce at lower prices.
He warned that continued price declines could discourage farming activity and create wider risks for Nigeria’s food supply chain.
“If left unaddressed, falling farm prices could drive farmers out of business, reduce agricultural investment and productivity, and worsen rural apathy toward farming, thereby threatening national food security through shortages, price inflation, and increased reliance on imports.”
He added that the issue could also affect food access for vulnerable households.
“The implications extend to national nutrition outcomes, as disruptions in agricultural production and supply chains may limit access to affordable and nutritious food, thereby worsening malnutrition and food insecurity, particularly among vulnerable populations,” he added.
Salam highlighted the role the government can play in protecting farmers through structured commodity systems, buffer stock programmes, off-taking arrangements, and price stabilisation policies that reduce exposure to market volatility.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and relevant agencies to urgently introduce measures that can protect farmers from further losses.
Lawmakers called for stronger investment in storage facilities, agro-processing infrastructure, and better market access systems to reduce waste and improve returns for farmers.
They also urged the government to develop long-term price support policies that can help stabilise the agricultural market, protect farmer investments, and encourage continued food production across Nigeria.
