The Federal Government has blamed middlemen and food hoarders for rising food prices in Nigeria, accusing some traders of buying farm produce in large quantities and storing them in warehouses to resell at higher prices.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made allegation during media briefing in Abuja on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Idris said government observed cases where traders purchased commodities directly from farmers, kept them in sealed warehouses and later released them to market at inflated prices.
He described practice as major factor responsible for artificial scarcity and high cost of food items.
Minister urged traders to desist from hoarding and other sharp practices capable of worsening hardship for Nigerians.
He said government was boosting local agricultural production and strengthening strategic food reserves to improve availability and affordability of food.
Food prices, however, are also influenced by other factors such as transportation costs, insecurity, production expenses and disruptions in supply chains.
Government’s statement comes amid growing public concerns over rising cost of essential food items and increasing financial pressure on households across country.
