The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the federal government of dishonesty regarding its claims of increased local food production, asserting that widespread insecurity and the displacement of farmers—especially in northern Nigeria—render such claims untrue.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC highlighted the struggles of farmers, including those who have not been displaced, who are facing skyrocketing costs for essential agricultural inputs like fertilizers. The party criticized the government for hoarding imported food while millions of Nigerians are grappling with hunger, labeling this tactic as a deliberate attempt to weaponize poverty for political advantage.
The ADC expressed concern over the government’s narrative of declining food prices, describing it as “artificial” and driven by import waivers that flood the market with cheap foreign goods. They argued that this situation does not reflect sound economic policy or a genuine increase in domestic production.
The statement questioned how food production could be increasing when the rural economy is plagued by banditry, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to cultivate their lands. “How can production be rising when the rural economy is under siege by bandits and the cost of planting is now beyond the reach of the average farmer?” the ADC stated.
The party is calling for a comprehensive reform of the country’s agricultural strategy, urging the government to implement policies that safeguard local production, stabilize food prices, and ensure the safety and livelihoods of farmers.
