President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians of lower food prices, expressing confidence that the country can achieve food self-sufficiency through increased investment in agriculture, mechanised farming and research.
Tinubu gave the assurance on Tuesday at the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign rally in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, where he said Nigeria had the resources and manpower needed to produce enough food for its growing population.
The President said his administration would intensify efforts to harness the country’s agricultural potential, particularly through improved farming methods, irrigation and research, to boost production and reduce the cost of food.
“We have the arable land. We have the commitment. We have the people. We can feed ourselves, and we will bring the food prices down to the minimum,” he said.
Tinubu also disclosed plans to establish six mechanised farming service centres across the country’s six geopolitical zones, a move he said would improve agricultural productivity.
He added that universities would play a greater role in agricultural research and development.
“Our universities will be involved in research and development, more in agriculture than ever before,” the President said.
His remarks come amid persistent concerns over the rising cost of food and the pressure on household incomes in Nigeria.
Food inflation has remained a major economic challenge, with many Nigerians struggling to afford basic food items following increases in transportation, production and distribution costs.
The President also defended the removal of the petrol subsidy, dismissing calls for its restoration and arguing that reinstating the policy would undermine the government’s ability to meet its financial obligations.
Tinubu questioned how the government would fund road construction, maintenance and other commitments if subsidy payments were reintroduced, insisting that the policy had enabled economic activities and supported workers and suppliers.
“How will you pay for those commitments, repair the roads and maintain them? How will you function?” he asked.
The President further defended the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, describing the student loan scheme as a tool for tackling poverty and expanding access to higher education.
“NELFUND is our weapon against poverty, and we will continue in that direction,” Tinubu said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustaining the initiative.
