Nigeria’s ambition to become food self-sufficient is facing serious setbacks as the rising cost of farm inputs is pushing many smallholder farmers out of production and making food more expensive for Nigerians. Despite government reforms and funding programmes, farmers are struggling to keep up with the soaring prices of fertilisers, seeds, and agro-chemicals.
Reports from across the country show that the price of a 50kg bag of NPK fertiliser has risen by 49 percent in just one year, jumping from about ₦26,000 in 2023 to around ₦53,000 in 2024. The increase is linked to foreign exchange shortages, since essential components such as potash and phosphate are imported. Even though Nigeria produces urea locally, the cost of blended NPK fertiliser has more than doubled, from ₦17,500 to ₦38,000.
Agro-chemicals and herbicides like Paraforce, Glyview, ForceUp, and Dragin have also seen sharp price increases. Glyview, for example, rose from ₦7,500 to over ₦23,000 in just one year. These products are essential for crop protection and pest control, and without them, farmers risk losing their harvests to diseases and pests.
The high cost of inputs is discouraging farmers across Nigeria, particularly in major food-producing states such as Benue, Kaduna, and Plateau. Insecurity has worsened the situation, as attacks by armed groups have forced many smallholder farmers to flee their farmlands. Some have been displaced, while others fear for their lives and avoid remote farming areas.
Agricultural consultant Florunsho Olayemi of Sammorf Agro-Consult said the cost of production per hectare has tripled, and many farmers are now planting on smaller plots or not planting at all. He warned that as the rainy season begins, food prices are likely to go even higher due to lower output. He stressed that unless urgent action is taken, Nigeria could face a deeper food crisis.
Prices of common food items in markets have already started rising. In Lagos, Abuja, and other cities, staples such as rice, yam, bread, and garri are now beyond the reach of many families. In rural areas around Abuja, farmers say they have not received promised government support such as subsidised fertiliser and seeds. This has made it hard for them to prepare adequately for the planting season.
The problem is made worse by the smuggling of food across borders. Local produce is often sold to neighbouring countries, reducing the supply available for Nigerian consumers. In addition, poor roads, lack of storage facilities, and limited processing capacity mean that much of what is harvested spoils before it reaches the market. Experts estimate that up to 40 percent of Nigeria’s farm output is lost after harvest.
Fake and adulterated fertilisers have also entered the market, damaging soil health and reducing yields. Farmers who unknowingly buy these fake products end up with poor harvests and financial losses, trapping them in a cycle of poverty.
Nigeria remains a major importer of food. Government data shows that food import bills rose by over 30 percent in the first quarter of 2024, hitting ₦920 billion. At the same time, food inflation hit 36 percent in June 2024. Smallholder farmers, who provide over 90 percent of the country’s food, are the most affected by these rising costs and poor support systems.
Government programmes like the Anchor Borrowers Programme, which has disbursed over ₦1.08 trillion since 2015, and the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme, are meant to assist farmers. But experts say many of these schemes have failed to reach real farmers due to poor implementation, ghost beneficiaries, and lack of transparency.
To address the crisis, experts are calling for increased investment in agriculture, especially in climate-smart farming, irrigation, mechanisation, and post-harvest storage. They also want tighter controls to stop smuggling, better access to foreign exchange for input suppliers, and strong security for farmers in high-risk areas.
There is also a need to reform input distribution systems to ensure that subsidised fertilisers and seeds reach genuine smallholder farmers. Building rural roads and improving logistics can also help reduce post-harvest losses. Experts say without quick action, Nigeria may face worsening hunger, rising food prices, and increased social unrest
