By Habeeb Ibrahim
The much-anticipated 180th day since Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, assured Nigerians that food prices would crash has arrived, sparking widespread reactions.
While the promise initially brought hope to many, the current realities in markets across the country suggest a disconnect between expectations and outcomes.
Citizens React: Frustration and Sarcasm
Social media has been abuzz with conversations surrounding the promise, with many Nigerians expressing disappointment over the lack of tangible change in food prices.
Chrixvo1 voiced the frustration of many: “Instead of the prices of food to crash, it has increased by 300%. We are ruled by evil. A day is coming for them.”
Echoing this sentiment, @dele303591673 labeled the situation a failure, stating, “Bunch of liars, both old and young. Party of doom.”
However, some netizens took a more sarcastic approach. @Kass wrote, “Sweep your kitchens, empty your storerooms; it will rain food!” Meanwhile, @Starleeon highlighted the accountability of citizens, stating, “They thought 180 days would never come, but here we are.”
Others, albeit skeptical, headed to markets to assess the situation firsthand. @Eniolaolq encouraged prompt action: “The day is finally here! Abeg make I dey go market now before everywhere go full.”
Similarly, @Ghen shared plans to monitor the prices of staples like rice, beans, garri, and oils. “I de go market today to price mudu of rice, beans, garri, eggs, and oils… let’s see if anything has changed.”
Reports from markets reveal that prices remain high, with a 9-week-old chicken still costing between ₦21,000 and ₦25,000 and other essentials showing no signs of significant reduction.
The Government’s 180-Day Promise
On July 9, 2024, Senator Kyari announced a bold set of measures aimed at tackling Nigeria’s food crisis. These were intended to stabilize food prices, ensure availability, and support long-term agricultural productivity. His outlined strategies included:
1. Duty-Free Importation
A 150-day window was created to allow the duty-free importation of key food commodities, including maize, rice, wheat, and cowpeas. The aim was to flood the market with affordable alternatives, reducing pressure on local supplies and ultimately lowering prices.
2. Government-Controlled Prices
Imported commodities were to be sold at a government-mandated Recommended Retail Price (RRP), ensuring affordability and preventing exploitation.
3. National Strategic Food Reserves
The government pledged to purchase surplus food commodities from local farmers to restock the National Strategic Food Reserve, providing a buffer against future shortages.
4. Support for Farmers
The government committed to supplying inputs to smallholder farmers during the wet season and promised to strengthen dry season farming across the country. Mechanization programs were to reduce production costs, while irrigation systems were to be rehabilitated to improve yields.
5. Livestock Development
The newly inaugurated National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee was tasked with revitalizing livestock production to enhance the availability of meat and dairy products.
6. Greenhouse Cultivation
Immediate greenhouse cultivation projects were proposed to boost the production of tomatoes, peppers, and other horticultural crops to stabilize prices and address shortages.
7. Fortified Foods and Home Gardens
Efforts were promised to promote the production of fortified foods and expand home gardening initiatives, particularly targeting women and youth.
