The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to implement emergency measures to protect local farmers from the impact of declining agricultural produce prices and rising production costs. This follows a motion sponsored by Senator Danjuma Goje, which highlighted the challenges faced by farmers due to recent government policies aimed at reducing food prices nationwide.
While the government’s efforts to lower food prices through waivers and large-scale food imports have provided relief to consumers, they have inadvertently created difficulties for local farmers. The cost of critical inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides remains high, despite declining farm-gate prices for agricultural produce. This imbalance has distorted agricultural markets, leading to massive post-harvest losses as farmers struggle to sell their produce at fair prices.
To address this issue, the Senate has urged the Federal Government to design and implement a special emergency intervention package to cushion farmers affected by the collapse in farm-gate prices. The government has also been asked to introduce broad-based subsidies for fertilizers and other essential agricultural inputs to ease the burden on farmers. Additionally, state governors have been advised to prioritize support for local farmers by encouraging investments in agriculture and taking steps to curb post-harvest losses.
In a related development, the Senate has directed the National Security Adviser to investigate rumors circulating on social media alleging the collapse and death of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The rumors, which have been described as alarming and unacceptable, have been circulating over the past 48 hours. The Senate President has acknowledged the difficulty of controlling social media narratives but has asked the National Security Adviser to investigate the source and intent of the rumors.
The Senate’s call for emergency support for farmers comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s agricultural sector, which is facing numerous challenges, including declining prices, rising production costs, and post-harvest losses. The government’s response to these challenges will be crucial in determining the future of the sector and the livelihoods of millions of farmers who depend on it. With the Senate’s resolutions, the government is expected to take swift action to address the concerns of farmers and ensure the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.
