ADC Accuses Tinubu Government of Manipulating Food Prices for Political Advantage

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of deliberately “weaponising hunger” and manipulating food prices to gain political advantage, while failing to support genuine local agricultural production.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that the government’s claims of improved food production were false. According to the ADC, many farmers, especially in northern Nigeria, have been displaced by banditry, while those still active struggle to afford essential farm inputs due to skyrocketing prices.

> “The so-called drop in food prices is artificial and driven by import waivers that have flooded the market with cheap foreign food,” the party said. “This is not evidence of sound policy or increased local production. The government is manipulating food prices and weaponising hunger for political gain.”

The ADC questioned why imported food was being hoarded while millions of Nigerians faced hunger, describing the move as “a deliberate weaponisation of poverty.” The party urged a complete overhaul of the nation’s agricultural strategy to ensure food price stability, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and promote long-term food sovereignty.

> “It is dishonest for the government to claim that production is rising when insecurity and high costs have crippled local farming,” the statement continued. “Any current drop in prices is temporary and unsustainable, driven by panic, not planning.”


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Government Promises Support for Farmers

Meanwhile, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has assured farmers of improved access to credit and farm inputs to boost production nationwide.

Speaking during a Senate public hearing in Abuja organized by the Committee on Agricultural Production Services and Rural Development, Kyari said the ministry was working to address high input costs and irrigation challenges.

> “Consumers may welcome the drop in prices, but farmers are not happy,” he said. “We are taking steps to ensure that farmers have access to affordable credit and inputs.”



Kyari also revealed plans to introduce a new community-level harvest silo initiative, aimed at replacing traditional mud silos and improving post-harvest storage.

Nigeria’s annual maize demand, he added, currently stands at around 25 million tonnes.

The hearing reviewed three key bills:

The Cassava Flour (Mandatory Inclusion into Flour Production) Bill, 2023,

The National Food Reserve Agency Bill, and

The Rice Development Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024.


Committee Chairman, Senator Saliu Mustapha, noted that incorporating cassava into flour production could reduce Nigeria’s $5 billion annual wheat import bill, create jobs for youths, and improve smallholder farmers’ incomes.


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IITA, UN Pledge Partnership on Food Security

In a related development, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the United Nations have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s food systems and agricultural transformation.

During a recent meeting in Abuja, IITA Director-General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr. Simeon Ehui, met with UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, to explore ways to scale up agricultural innovations and youth agripreneurship.

Dr. Ehui highlighted IITA’s progress in soil health, seed systems, and plant science, including its award-winning Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) technology, which boosts crop productivity.

> “Our biggest challenge is scaling, taking proven technologies from the lab to millions of farmers,” he said. “That is why partnerships with organisations like the UN are critical to achieving food security in Africa.”



In response, Fall reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s agricultural transformation as part of its efforts toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

> “Agriculture remains Nigeria’s strongest vehicle for economic transformation if the right investments are made,” he said.


The meeting underscored a shared vision among IITA, CGIAR, and the UN to deliver research-driven, inclusive, and sustainable solutions that enhance food security and livelihoods across Africa.