Farmers in Lagos State have predicted a further reduction in the price of rice ahead of the Christmas season following the Lagos State Government’s decision to cut the price of its locally produced rice to N57,000 per 50kg bag.
The farmers made this known in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday. The price had earlier been reduced from N64,000 as part of measures to ease the burden on residents.
Vice Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria Southwest, Lagos Chapter, Mr Sakin Agbayewa, described the move as strategic and capable of driving healthier competition in the rice market.
According to him, the new price could force further reductions within weeks, as foreign rice currently sells between N52,000 and N56,000 depending on location and transportation costs. He added that locally produced Lagos rice is fresher and safer for consumption compared to imported brands which may have been stored for years.
Agbayewa stated that Lagos rice offers better nutritional value and food safety at its current price, urging consumers to prioritise quality over slightly cheaper alternatives.
Similarly, Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, Mr Raphael Hunsa, praised the state government’s intervention, describing it as timely and people focused.
Hunsa said sustained government support for farmers would boost production and help stabilise prices of rice and other staple foods. He added that increased year round farming would ensure steady supply and affordable prices.
He expressed optimism that the price reduction would allow more families to celebrate the Christmas season with ease.
