In a welcome relief for residents, food prices have crashed in the Northeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria, particularly in Taraba, Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. This drop in prices comes as Muslims prepare for the holy month of Ramadan.

A bumper harvest in the region has led to an oversupply of crops, including onions, peppers, maize, rice, yam, Irish potatoes, beans, cassava, melon seed, millet, benniseed, carrots, and others. As a result, prices of staple foods have decreased significantly.

In Yobe State, for instance, the price of millet has dropped from N80,000 to N60,000, while a 50kg bag of white beans now sells for N55,000, down from N80,000. Similarly, in Adamawa State, the price of maize has fallen from N65,000 to N50,000 or N53,000.

Traders attribute the price drop to the lack of money in circulation, which has forced those hoarding grains to sell. The conflict between herders and farmers has also been largely addressed, resulting in increased food production.

However, fertilizer prices have skyrocketed, making it difficult for farmers to afford. The government has been urged to subsidize farm inputs to support farmers.

Despite the challenges, residents are optimistic about the price drop, which is expected to continue as Ramadan approaches. The government’s initiatives to boost food production and security have also been commended.