Former presidential candidate has cautioned that declining food prices in Nigeria may not necessarily be good news, warning that the trend could further impoverish local farmers if it is driven by increased food imports.
Speaking at a recent event, Obi revealed that he was informed upon his arrival that food prices had dropped in several markets. While noting that consumers might welcome the development, he argued that it could signal deeper structural problems within the nation’s agricultural sector.
According to him, the fall in prices appears to be linked to the importation of cheaper food items, a practice he said is undermining domestic agricultural production and threatening the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers.
Obi maintained that excessive reliance on imported goods disadvantages local producers, reduces their earnings, and discourages farming activities, particularly in rural communities. He warned that this could worsen poverty levels and create long-term risks for national food security.
He stressed the need for policies that strike a balance between making food affordable for consumers and protecting local farmers to ensure sustainable agricultural growth.
