The Nigerian Senate has urged the Federal Government to adopt emergency measures that protect local farmers from falling agricultural produce prices and rising production costs. This call follows a motion sponsored by Senator Danjuma Goje, which highlighted the challenges farmers face as recent government policies aimed at reducing food prices nationwide have unintentionally harmed domestic producers.
While waivers and large‑scale food imports have helped lower consumer prices, the cost of essential inputs—such as fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides—remains high. Consequently, farm‑gate prices for agricultural produce have declined, creating a market imbalance that leads to massive post‑harvest losses as farmers struggle to sell their goods at fair prices.
To remedy the situation, the Senate has asked the Federal Government to design and implement a special emergency intervention package that cushions farmers from the collapse in farm‑gate prices. It also recommends broad‑based subsidies for fertilizers and other critical inputs to ease farmers’ financial burdens. Additionally, state governors are urged to prioritize support for local farmers by encouraging agricultural investment and taking steps to reduce post‑harvest losses.
In a related development, the Senate has directed the National Security Adviser to investigate rumors circulating on social media that claim the collapse and death of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Described as alarming and unacceptable, these rumors have been spreading for the past 48 hours. The Senate President, acknowledging the difficulty of controlling social‑media narratives, has asked the adviser to probe the source and intent of the misinformation.
The Senate’s call for emergency support arrives at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s agricultural sector, which confronts declining prices, rising production costs, and significant post‑harvest losses. The government’s response will be pivotal in shaping the sector’s future and safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of farmers who depend on it. With the Senate’s resolutions, swift action is expected to address farmers’ concerns and ensure the long‑term sustainability of agriculture in Nigeria.
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