Some Abuja residents have commended the federal government’s intervention in reducing food prices, saying the crashing prices of food items have brought relief to residents of Abuja and other Nigerians across the country.

The residents gave their commendation in separate interviews with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.

Vivian Uche, a food vendor at Lugbe market, praised the federal government’s intervention, saying it helped curb the hike in food prices in the country.

“In an unexpected development, food prices have dropped in the market across Nigeria, bringing much relief to Nigerians who have been struggling with the rising cost of living.

“I sell beans, rice, and other food items. The prices have dropped notably in the market. A bag of rice that was selling for N76,000 a few months ago now goes for N55,000.

“A module of Gari was N1,000/1,200 but now N500/600. Beans dropped from between N3,000 and 2,800 to N600 and N800, depending on the qualities. The same thing goes for yam flour and the rest. Truly speaking, this is a relief for us traders and the customers that buy our products to consume,’’ she said.

Ifeoma Iwuji, a civil servant, said the federal government’s efforts to make food more available and affordable in Abuja and across the country could not be overemphasised.

According to her, the government has implemented policies that have increased food supply, leading to surpluses and, subsequently, lower food prices.

“The cost of food has been a major burden. With the price dropping, we can now afford to buy more food,’’ she said.

Cynthia Chukwuma, a buyer at the Lugbe market, said what the federal government did was good, urging that the sustainability of the low cost of the food items would be better.

“We need to see if this price drop is sustainable for a long time. We have seen food prices drop before, only for them to rise again. For now, families are enjoying the benefits of food prices,” she said.

Kayode Iyiola, a mechanised farmer, said that food prices had dropped across Nigeria due to the federal government’s intervention and several other factors.

According to him, the ongoing harvest season has led to an increase in food supply, causing prices to decrease, and improved security in farming areas has also contributed to the reduction.

“Farmers can now access their lands and produce more food. Additionally, the federal government’s free import waiver has led to a surge in cheap imports, further driving down prices.

“Government’s intervention, like subsidised fertiliser distribution and dry-season farming initiatives, has also supported the price drop,“ he said.

Mr Kayode, however, explained that despite the gains, many Nigerians still struggled with low purchasing power and stagnant incomes, making it difficult to afford basic food items.

(NAN)