Prices of food items in major grain markets in Kano, Taraba, and Niger states have reportedly started to drop. Daily Trust reports that some factors responsible for the drop include the stoppage of inter-state movement with food items in some parts of the country, increased surveillance around borders to stem exports, and clampdown on hoarding of grains.
In Kano state, prices of maize, soya beans, beans, and rice at Doguwa, Tudun Wada, Bunkure markets, among others, have decreased. A grain merchant, Hudu Faruk, attributed the price drop to the sealing of warehouses accused of hoarding grains by the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission.
In Taraba State, prices of maize, millet, sorghum, white beans, soybeans, and dried cassava have also come down at Mutum Biyu, Garba-Chede, Maihula, and Iware markets. A farmer, Ali Maihula, noted that the price drop was due to the absence of middlemen who used to make bulk purchases at the markets.
In Kwara State, a farmer, Bose Anifowose, reported a drop in the price of maize from N65,000 in January to N40,000 at Ajase market. Mukaila Salaudeen, chairman of Amana Farmers, Ilorin, mentioned that prices of grains like maize and beans were gradually coming down at the local market.
In Niger State, especially in Bida, the price of a 50kg bag of maize dropped from N52,000 to N48,000, and guinea corn, from N48,000 to N39,000. The reduction in prices was attributed to the government's decision to ban bulk buying of grains from markets. However, prices of fertilizers have increased ahead of the coming rainy season farming, with Urea going up from N25,000 to N36,000, and NPK from N27,000 to N37,500, according to a fertilizer dealer in Minna, Danjuma Yarima.
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