Some farmers’ associations in Lagos State have projected another reduction in rice prices ahead of the Christmas season, following Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s recent decision to cut the cost of Lagos rice.
The farmers expressed their views in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos.
NAN reports that the governor recently reduced the price of Lagos Rice from N64,000 to N57,000 per bag.
The Vice Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Southwest and Lagos State chapter, Mr. Sakin Agbayewa, praised the move, describing it as a step that could trigger competition and further lower prices in the coming weeks.
“The Lagos State Government pegging the price of a bag of rice at N57,000 is a good development.
“And hopefully, we want to believe that with this competitive price and competition, maybe in one week or two weeks, the price of rice will further drop.
“Presently, the price of foreign rice is between N52,000 and N56,000 and that depends on where you are buying it.
“If you are buying it very close to the border, it comes at N52,000. If you are buying it from the main market it sells between N54,000 and N55,000 per 50kg bag, the extra cost comes off as transportation costs.
“At N57,000 per bag, consumers are eating quality food. From the production to the milling plants, to the processing, to the shelf, market and consumer, you might be looking at one year,” Agbayewa said.
According to him, compared to foreign rice priced between N52,000 and N56,000, consumers may unknowingly be purchasing rice stored for several years.
“So, if you want to look at price and quality, I think the Lagos rice is good at N57,000, when you buy the Lagos rice you are looking at food safety, nutritional value and everything that it has to offer at that price.
“It is a good buy, I would prefer the Lagos rice at N57,000 than buy cheaper rice with lower quality,” he said.
Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, Mr. Raphael Hunsa, also commended the state government, noting that the price slash would benefit many households during the festive period.
“The government is always on top in terms of policy decisions that affects the people. And the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu dropping the price of rice is a great move.
“If production is low, definitely the demand will be high and subsequently the price will be high too.
The Lagos State Government pegging a bag of rice at N57,000 this season is most beneficial to Nigerians.
“We, however, urge the government to continue to support rice farmers to increase our production and subsequently the price of rice and other staples will continue to drop.
“If we have more rice farmers producing all-year-round, definitely the price of rice will continue to be stable.
“This Christmas is now at our door and everyone will celebrate well with this drop in price,” Hunsa said.
AFAN Reaffirms Commitment to Boosting Food Production and Security
The President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Muhammad Magaji, has restated the association’s resolve to strengthen collaboration and innovation across the agricultural sector to improve food production and security nationwide.
According to a statement released in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, Magaji spoke during his inauguration at the 2025 National Agricultural Showground along the Abuja–Keffi Road in Nasarawa State. His emergence followed the election of the 27-member AFAN National Executive Council.
“We are calling on all members of AFAN nationwide to give us maximum support. The Tinubu-led Federal Government is fully committed to agriculture and the welfare of farmers. All they need is a unified umbrella body of Nigerian farmers,” Magaji said.
He announced that AFAN would work closely with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to expand food production and strengthen national food security.
Immediate past president, Kabiru Ibrahim, expressed confidence in the new leadership. “I know there is a lot of work ahead, and I know you are capable. I wish you the best of luck and wish the AFAN family successful production and enhanced productivity,” he said.
AFAN National Youth Leader, Chief Tunde Adeyemi, highlighted the essential role of young farmers in driving progress in the agricultural sector.
“Nigeria’s agriculture is powered by youth — the young farmer who wakes up each morning to cultivate the soil, raise livestock, add value, and sustain the heartbeat of our great nation. Today, we begin a new journey to strengthen that power.”
He added that agriculture must evolve into a sector associated with prosperity and innovation. He promised expanded access to training, finance, mechanisation, drones, irrigation systems, digital tools and international partnerships.
Adeyemi also assured that youth structures would be strengthened across all states and local governments to give young farmers a stronger voice.
The statement also listed the newly elected AFAN National Executive Council members, including Chief Daniel Okafor, Chief Asuquo E., Dr. Femi Otunba Oke, Hon. Hassan Abubakar, Alhaji Dauda Bungudu, Mr. Christopher Aghuno, Alhaji Uba Dan Arewa, Chief Patrick Weridonghan, Dr. Vitus Enwerem, Vincent Amaabai, Olumide Ayinla, Chief Tunde Adeyemi, Yamusoa Ladi, Salisu Muktar, Shehu Bello, Musa Damagum, Dr. Ignatius Unah, Prince Bassey Inwang, Mr. John Wuyep, Kabiru Muhammed, Prince Abiodun Ogunjimi, Romanus Eze, Muhammed Widi, Nafiu Karaye, Alhaji Salihu Adebanyi and Alhaji Suleiman Arakanmi.
