By Patrick Idowu
Residents of Abuja have lauded the Federal Government’s intervention in the agricultural sector, saying the recent drop in food prices has eased pressure on households in the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, a foodstuff vendor at Wuse Market, Mrs. Bunmi Akinpelu, said government measures had helped curb the rising cost of staples.
She noted that prices of key commodities such as rice, beans and yam flour had fallen significantly.
“A bag of rice that sold for about ₦76,000 a few months ago now goes for around ₦55,000,” Akinpelu said, adding that the reduction had brought relief to both traders and consumers.
Similarly, a civil servant, Mrs. Nwodo Chukwu, attributed the price drop to policies that boosted food supply.
According to her, increased availability had created a surplus, leading to lower prices. “Food costs have been a major burden. With this reduction, families can now afford more,” she said.
However, some residents urged caution. Mrs. Cynthia Chukwuma, a shopper at Lugbe Market, welcomed the development but called on the government to ensure price stability.
“We have seen prices fall before only to rise again. Sustainability is key,” she said.
A mechanised farmer, Mr. Kayode Iyiola, said the decline in prices was due to a mix of government intervention and seasonal factors. He added that federal support for farmers had played a crucial role in stabilising the market.
