Governor Ododo’s agricultural reforms drive down the costs of staples, positioning the state as Nigeria’s emerging food hub
Food prices across Kogi State have taken a significant dip as the policies of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo begin to yield tangible results, bringing relief to households and sparking fresh investor interest in the agricultural sector.
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed in Lokoja that the administration’s deliberate investments in agriculture, combined with measures to discourage hoarding, have stabilized the state’s food supply chain and curbed exploitative practices by middlemen.
Market surveys indicate striking reductions in the cost of major staples. A 50kg bag of rice, which was priced at about ₦85,000 in March, now sells between ₦62,000 and ₦65,000. Similarly, the price of a medium-sized tuber of yams has fallen from ₦2,000 to around ₦1,200, while a paint bucket of garri has dropped from ₦3,500 to ₦2,400. The costs of maize and corn have also recorded notable declines across local markets.
Fanwo emphasized that the development was no coincidence, noting that the Ododo-led government has rolled out structured support programmes to empower farmers. He highlighted interventions such as the Agricultural Credit and Resource Support for Agricultural Livelihoods (ACReSAL), distribution of improved seedlings, and the opening up of rural roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), all of which have improved production and access to markets.
“In Kogi, no one will be allowed to exploit the people by hoarding foodstuffs. Our monitoring system is active, and we will continue to ensure availability and affordability,” the commissioner said, stressing that food security remains a priority.
Beyond short-term relief, the state has also embarked on long-term projects to expand its agro-economy. According to Fanwo, more than one million cashew and palm seedlings were planted this year alone. This initiative, he explained, is expected to generate over ₦100 billion for the state within the next three years, making agriculture a major driver of job creation and economic growth.
The commissioner revealed that Kogi’s rising agricultural profile has begun to attract attention at the national level. Already, Lagos State’s “Produce for Lagos” programme, backed by a ₦500 billion agribusiness fund has partnered with Kogi for food supply. This collaboration, Fanwo noted, is a testament to Kogi’s emerging role at the centre of Nigeria’s food security drive.
Governor Ododo, he added, is determined to position Kogi as one of Nigeria’s leading food hubs. “The governor’s vision is clear. Agriculture is the backbone of our development strategy, and many investors are now showing interest in Kogi because they can see the results of these policies,” Fanwo affirmed.
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