A former Nigerian government official has leveled serious allegations against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming it deliberately imported expired rice and maize, undercutting local farmers and worsening food insecurity. Babachir David Lawal, who served as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) under former President Muhammadu Buhari, made the remarks during an interview with Trust TV on Sunday, criticizing the government’s agricultural policies and its broader impact on citizens’ livelihoods.
Lawal, identifying himself as a large-scale farmer, highlighted stark shifts in agricultural economics to support his claims. He noted that while fertilizer prices surged from ₦45,000 to ₦70,000 per bag over the past year, maize prices had paradoxically dropped from ₦110,000 to ₦65,000. He attributed this imbalance to what he described as the government’s “flooding” of markets with expired imports. “Farming has become a lost venture,” he said, arguing that the influx of substandard goods had destabilized local production and left farmers struggling to compete.
The former official also accused Tinubu’s administration of failing to deliver on promises to improve living standards, stating, “They have not positively impacted the lives of Nigerians.” His critique extended to the political sphere, where he revealed efforts by a coalition of northern leaders to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. While he did not name specific individuals or groups involved, he framed the movement as a response to widespread dissatisfaction with governance.
Lawal further criticized Tinubu’s leadership style, alleging that appointments were strategically designed to sow division among voters. He singled out the president’s treatment of Muslim supporters, claiming they had been “alienated,” “embarrassed,” and “underdeveloped” despite their electoral support. These remarks hint at deeper tensions within Nigeria’s complex ethno-religious political landscape, where patronage and regional allegiances often influence governance.
The allegations come amid rising food inflation in Nigeria, which reached 40% in May 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The government has consistently defended its policies, including import waivers aimed at addressing food shortages, though critics argue such measures exacerbate reliance on foreign goods. Authorities have yet to publicly respond to Lawal’s claims about expired imports.
As economic pressures mount, Lawal’s comments reflect growing discontent among agricultural stakeholders and political elites. His dual role as a former insider and active farmer lends weight to his criticisms, which could amplify scrutiny of Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s food security crisis ahead of the next electoral cycle.
