Some residents of Abuja have expressed relief and cautious optimism following a noticeable drop in food prices across major markets, attributing the development to the Federal Government’s intervention and improved food supply nationwide.
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, traders, civil servants, farmers, and consumers said the easing prices have brought much-needed respite to households grappling with the high cost of living in recent months.
At the Lugbe market, foodstuff vendor Mrs. Vivian Uche described the price reduction as both “unexpected and relieving,” noting that it has benefited traders and consumers alike. According to her, staple food items such as rice, beans, and gari have seen significant price cuts.
“A bag of rice that sold for ₦76,000 a few months ago now goes for about ₦55,000. A module of gari that was ₦1,000 to ₦1,200 has dropped to ₦500 or ₦600. Beans that sold for ₦2,800 to ₦3,000 are now between ₦600 and ₦800, depending on quality,” Uche said. She added that similar reductions have been recorded in yam flour and other staples.
For civil servant Mrs. Ifeoma Iwuji, the drop in food prices has eased pressure on family budgets. She credited government policies aimed at boosting food availability, saying increased supply had led to surplus and, ultimately, lower prices.
“The cost of food has been a major burden for families. With prices dropping, we can now afford to buy more food and plan better,” she said.
However, some residents urged caution. Mrs. Cynthia Chukwuma, a shopper at the same market, welcomed the price drop but questioned its sustainability. She noted that past reductions had often been followed by sharp increases.
“For now, families are enjoying the benefits, but we hope this time it will last,” she said.
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A mechanised farmer, Mr. Kayode Iyiola, attributed the reduction in prices to a combination of government intervention and seasonal factors. He explained that the harvest season has boosted supply, while improved security in farming communities has allowed farmers to return to their fields.
“Farmers now have better access to their land. The government’s free import waiver has also increased the availability of cheaper food imports,” Iyiola said. He added that subsidised fertiliser distribution and dry-season farming initiatives have further supported food production.
Despite the positive trend, Iyiola cautioned that many Nigerians still face challenges due to low purchasing power and stagnant incomes, which continue to limit access to basic food items.
While residents acknowledge that falling food prices are a welcome development, many say sustained policy support and broader economic improvements will be crucial to ensuring long-term affordability and food security across the country.