20/12/2025
PRESS RELEASE
Senator Muntari Dandutse Expresses Concern Over the Plight of Nigerian Farmers
At today’s plenary session of the Senate, Senator Muntari Mohammed Dandutse expressed deep concern over the challenges facing Nigerian farmers, particularly the high cost of farm inputs and the sharp decline in the prices of agricultural produce in the markets.
The Senator made these remarks while contributing robustly to a motion sponsored by Senator Muhammed Danjuma Goje, which focused on the urgent need to address the falling prices of farm produce in contrast to the rising cost of agricultural inputs—an issue that poses a serious threat to the livelihoods of millions of Nigerian farmers.
While speaking on the motion, Senator Dandutse stated that the high cost of farm inputs has pushed farmers into severe hardship and is hindering the growth of the agricultural sector. He noted that a bag of fertilizer now costs over sixty thousand naira (₦60,000), while a bag of maize sells for less than twenty thousand naira (₦20,000), describing the situation as a grave imbalance.
According to him, over 60 percent of Nigerians depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, yet the country continues to import food from foreign nations, a practice that weakens the domestic economy.
Senator Dandutse added that countries from which Nigeria imports food provide heavy subsidies to their farmers, giving them a competitive advantage over local farmers. He also expressed concern over reports suggesting that some critical agricultural imports are being handled by the Ministry of Finance without adequate coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture.
He described this development as a threat to national food security and stability, warning that many farmers across the country’s six geopolitical zones may be unable to cultivate their farms this year due to the high cost of inputs and inadequate support.
The Senator, who identified himself as a farmer, emphasized that the National Assembly has a responsibility to protect the interests of ordinary citizens. He called for urgent measures to support farmers, including reducing or suspending food imports, in order to strengthen local agriculture and boost the national economy.
In conclusion, Senator Dandutse urged his colleagues in the Senate to support the call, stressing that the challenges facing farmers require immediate attention to ensure sustainable development in the agricultural sector.
Senator Muntari Mohammed Dandutse
Media Reporter
