THE Federal Government of Nigeria has pointed fingers at traders across the country as being responsible for the high cost of foodstuffs despite the drop in inflation rate.
Speaking during the 2025 Wheat Farmers Green Field Day at Dabi Village in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources alleged that most traders were only exploiting Nigerians.
Alhaji Kyari, therefore, called on traders across the country to reduce the prices of foodstuff in the market.
The call by the Federal Government comes shortly after it was announced that the inflation rate of the nation had dropped to 24.48 per cent.
Condemning the nonchalant attitude showcased by some traders and farmers alike, the minister said the drop in inflation has not reflected in the prices of foodstuff in the market.
He also stated that such acts from traders are unpatriotic and should not be acceptable anywhere.
Citing some instances, Kyari said that while the prices of commodities like sugar, rice, flour and pasta have reduced, retailers, bakers and even some shop owners still peg their prices on the high side.
He said these groups of people are doing a disservice to Nigerians and are hereby warned to desist from such action.
The minister said, “In previous months, stakeholders in the retail value chain raised concerns about the rising cost of food items. Now that the prices have dropped, such as flour, which fell from N81,000 per bag to below N60,000, and spaghetti, which has fallen from N20,000 to N15,000.
“It is only fair and just to let consumers benefit from food price reduction,” he added.
Eighteen-Eleven Media