The Senate has called on the Federal Government, state governments, and local authorities to urgently roll out fertiliser and agricultural input subsidies and rehabilitate silos nationwide to protect farmers and stabilise food prices.
The Upper Chamber commended the Federal Government for recent interventions that have helped ease food costs, including waivers and approvals for large-scale food importation. However, lawmakers warned that the persistently high prices of fertilisers, pesticides, and other farm inputs are severely squeezing farmers’ incomes, worsening post-harvest losses, and discouraging reinvestment ahead of the next planting season.
To address the challenge, the Senate recommended the introduction of a guaranteed off-take system under which farm produce would be purchased directly from farmers, stored in rehabilitated silos, and released into the market during periods of scarcity. The lawmakers said the system would serve as a strategic buffer against price volatility and supply shocks.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central), who drew attention to the growing gap between declining farm-gate prices and soaring input costs, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to rural livelihoods and national food security.
Senators also called for stronger coordination among federal and state ministries, commodity boards, farmers’ cooperatives, and the private sector to stabilise agricultural markets, promote agro-processing, and improve storage and transportation infrastructure.
Emphasising the need to strike a balance between consumer relief and farmer incentives, the lawmakers urged expanded access to tractors, fertilisers, and pesticides ahead of the 2026 farming season.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio endorsed the recommendations, expressing confidence that their implementation would strengthen support for farmers, stabilise food markets, and ensure adequate food supply across the country.
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