Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has levelled serious allegations against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of deliberately flooding the Nigerian market with expired maize and rice.
Speaking during a recent interview on Trust TV, Lawal, who identifies as a large-scale farmer, claimed the government’s actions have severely harmed local agricultural producers and worsened food insecurity.
He argued that the influx of substandard imported goods has destabilised prices, making farming economically unviable for many Nigerians.
Lawal highlighted the drastic decline in maize prices as evidence of the government’s mismanagement. “Last year, a bag of maize sold for N110,000, while fertiliser cost N45,000,” he said.
“Now, fertiliser has risen to N70,000, but maize prices have plummeted to N65,000 due to these imports.” He described the situation as a deliberate sabotage of local farmers, warning that agriculture is becoming a “lost venture” under the current administration.
Beyond agricultural concerns, Lawal criticised Tinubu’s broader governance, alleging that the president has failed to improve Nigerians’ livelihoods.
He also revealed that a coalition of northern political leaders is mobilising to oust the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in the 2027 elections.
According to Lawal, Tinubu’s appointments have been divisive, alienating even the Muslim voters who supported him. “He has embarrassed and underdeveloped them,” Lawal asserted, suggesting growing disillusionment among key demographics.
The former SGF’s remarks add to mounting criticism of Tinubu’s agricultural policies, which have faced scrutiny despite initiatives like the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme.
While the government has launched efforts to boost food production, including tractor distribution and partnerships with international firms, critics like Lawal argue that such measures are undermined by contradictory import policies and inadequate support for local farmers. His comments reflect broader tensions over Nigeria’s food security and economic direction under Tinubu’s leadership.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
