Tinubu’s ‘marching order’ on food prices branded useless by labour, farmers

President Bola Tinubu’s latest directive to “crash food prices” has been dismissed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), farmers’ associations, and economic analysts, who warn that executive orders cannot solve the country’s worsening food crisis.

The President, through the Federal Executive Council, recently instructed a special committee to ensure the safe passage of food and agricultural commodities across the country. But critics argue the move is nothing more than another empty “marching order” that fails to tackle the root causes of high prices.

“Goals are dreams with deadlines. What was announced was a dream without any timeline,” veteran columnist Dele Sobowale wrote, noting that the order came just as harvest season naturally lowers prices.

Why critics say Tinubu’s order won’t work

Agricultural experts and farmers insist food prices are driven by insecurity, poor yields, high transport costs, and complex distribution chains—not by government pronouncements.

In Niger and Sokoto States, thousands of farmers have abandoned their lands due to bandit attacks. Those still farming struggle to afford fertilizer and expect low harvests.

“The President is dealing with private organizations and companies. You don’t just come out and give an order to crash prices. It doesn’t work that way,” said Peter Dama, Chairman of the Competitive Rice Forum.

Farmers also reminded the government that food is private property and cannot be priced by decree. Transporters and middlemen, they argue, add unavoidable costs as produce moves from rural areas to city markets.

For example, onions bought in Izom, Niger State, for ₦2,000 sell for as high as ₦8,000 at Lagos’ Mile 12 market after passing through multiple handlers.

‘Truth to power’

Even officials close to Tinubu admit extortion of truck drivers by police and soldiers is a factor but not enough to explain the huge price differences. Analysts argue insecurity and low productivity remain the real problems.

Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, captured the frustration: “Telling the truth and accepting the truth has been our major problem in Nigeria. Some people will never tell you the truth while you are in power; and honestly many of us in power also don’t want to hear the truth.”

For the NLC and other critics, Tinubu’s marching orders are “a waste of everybody’s time” unless backed by concrete security measures, subsidies, and reforms that directly support farmers and food distributors.