ABUJA, NIGERIA — Arewa Youth President DanBature Abdul Hamid has said the price of rice in Northern Nigeria has dropped significantly since President Bola Tinubu came to power.
DanBature made the claim on Wednesday during an interview on TVC. He said poor masses in the North bought rice at over ₦70,000 per bag before Tinubu assumed office. Today, he said, a bag of rice sells for below ₦50,000.
Call for Verification
“Before President Bola Tinubu came to power, the poor masses in the North bought rice at over ₦70,000 per bag. As of today, a bag of rice is below ₦50,000. Go and make the research yourself and check for states like Niger, Taraba, and Kebbi. Make those researches yourself and see the content and the large numbers of farmers that are trying to produce not only rice, but other food that will help the masses,” he said.
Agricultural Export Programme
DanBature also pointed to a new agricultural export programme as evidence that the benefits of the current administration’s policies are reaching ordinary farmers. He said access to international export markets was largely reserved for wealthy businesspeople before Tinubu’s administration.
He said a programme recently implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture over the past two months has opened direct export channels for local farmers. This, he said, would help farmers earn more from their produce.
Economic Context
The claim comes amid ongoing debate about the impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic policies. The government removed fuel subsidies in 2023. It also unified exchange rates. These policies led to higher inflation and increased costs for many Nigerians.
However, the government has argued that the policies are necessary for long-term economic stability. It has pointed to increased revenue, improved foreign exchange inflows, and rising agricultural production as evidence that the reforms are working.
Mixed Reactions
Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions to DanBature’s claim. Some said the price of rice had indeed dropped in certain markets. Others disputed the claim. They said the cost of living remains high and that many families still struggle to afford basic necessities.
The National Bureau of Statistics has not released recent data specifically on rice prices. However, its food inflation reports have shown that prices remain elevated compared to previous years.
What This Means
The debate over rice prices reflects the broader conversation about the state of Nigeria’s economy. For the government, the claim supports its narrative that its policies are yielding results. For critics, it highlights the gap between official claims and the reality on the ground.
As the 2027 elections approach, the economy is likely to remain a central issue. Voters will judge the government based on their own experiences. For now, the debate over rice prices continues.
