Farmers say the Lagos rice price cut by Governor Sanwo-Olu may trigger further reductions as yuletide demand rises

Farmer’s leaders in Lagos State, including the Vice Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria Southwest, Mr Sakin Agbayewa, and the Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria Lagos chapter, Mr Raphael Hunsa, on Sunday welcomed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Lagos rice price cut, predicting that the cost of the staple will fall again before Christmas.

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Governor Sanwo-Olu recently reduced the official price of Lagos rice from N64,000 to N57,000 per 50 kilogram bag, a move the farmers described as both strategic and timely as households prepare for the festive season.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria, Mr Agbayewa said the decision was likely to heighten market competition and help force prices downward across the state.

He noted that imported rice currently sells between N52,000 and N56,000 depending on proximity to border points and transport costs.

Agbayewa argued that the quality of Lagos rice justified the N57,000 price point, emphasising its shorter storage period and stronger nutritional assurance compared with some foreign brands that may have been warehoused for several years.

He said many consumers would consider it a powerful value-for-money option.

Mr Hunsa also praised the state government’s intervention, stating that the administration had again demonstrated responsiveness to public concerns.

He stressed that the seasonal reduction would offer direct relief to families while helping stabilise the broader food market.

Hunsa urged continued government support for local rice farmers to boost production throughout the year, noting that sustained output was essential for long-term price stability and food security.

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He added that with Christmas approaching, the latest reduction had raised hopes that more households would be able to celebrate comfortably despite wider economic pressures.