The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Food

  • Ministry of Industry, Health partner on food export

    Ministry of Industry, Health partner on food export

    The Federal Government has intensified efforts to address irregularities in the nation’s food export system while unlocking the healthcare value chain for effective transformation.

    This strategic move results from a collaboration between the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, aimed at bolstering President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda.

    Speaking yesterday in Abuja, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, hosted the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Muhammad Pate, alongside the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye. The high-level meeting sought to resolve longstanding issues affecting food exports and healthcare sector development.

    Dr Pate emphasised the significance of the collaboration, noting the cross-cutting nature of the issues at hand.

    “This meeting brings together two sectors that are not traditionally aligned but are crucial for our national progress. The focus areas include improving the regulation of food exports, enhancing the role of NAFDAC in trade facilitation, and unlocking the healthcare value chain,” Pate stated.

    He further underscored the lingering challenges that required urgent attention, adding, “We are determined to support Mr President’s vision for transforming Nigeria by ensuring our efforts lead to long-term achievements in these critical areas.”

    Dr Oduwole affirmed the ministry’s readiness to address these issues through actionable reforms. She revealed plans to begin work on resolving policy bottlenecks, including the production of medical devices and syringes domestically.

    “We have reviewed the draft policy on manufacturing syringes and needles in Nigeria and will identify areas needing resolution,” Oduwole explained.

    “These are key aspects of the president’s eight-point agenda, and they require meticulous attention.”

    NAFDAC’s Director-General, highlighted the importance of mindset change among Nigerian exporters.

    “Rejection of our goods abroad often stems from lapses in regulatory compliance. By ensuring strict adherence to standards, we can avoid such embarrassments and bolster our trade reputation,” she said.

    Technical Aide to the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Temiloluwa Oluokun, pointed out challenges with regulatory reforms, including the denomination of permit fees in foreign currency.

    Read Also: Food security: Govt to recapitalise BoA

    “Shifting all fees to the local currency will shield exporters from exchange rate volatility,” he suggested, emphasising the need for a revised export regulation framework.

    Additionally, Director of the Federal Produce Inspectorate Service, Dafang Sule, appealed for assistance from the health ministry to train officers in pesticide residue management, particularly in sesame seed exports.

    The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a dedicated team to address the identified challenges comprehensively. The team is to reconvene soon to finalise resolutions and implement strategies for reform.

  • Food: Orile-Agege secures 50-acre for farming

    Food: Orile-Agege secures 50-acre for farming

    The Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA), of  Lagos State has secured 50 Acres of farmland in Ogun, for the 2025 farming season and beyond.

    Chairman of the council, Johnson Babatunde, said  the  over 50 Acres of land at Obada Oko in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun, would be given to interested residents for crop and animal farming to cushion the effects of food challenges.

    He said that  interested residents  of Orile-Agege, would  be assisted by the council  to farm on the land, using modern technologies.

    “This agriculture project is  a huge one for the council aimed at not only providing more food but also to get more youths interested in farming.

    “The project will also usher in  new creativity, imagination, and skills in planting crops,  raising animals with modern production methods,” the council chairman said.

    Babatunde said the efforts were meant to empower Orile-Agege youths and other residents interested in farming, noting that the  project would  ensure surplus  food in the area.

    Read Also: We will overcome security challenges, says Tinubu

    “This project is not only for the 2025 farming season. It will be sustained through the years  and more lands will be acquired for it. ”

    He said the project was part of the council’s unwavering commitment to community empowerment, with  special focus on youth development.

    The chairman said that Obada Oko Orile Agege Farm Village remained  poised to be a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and food security in Lagos State.

    “By investing in agriculture, we are fostering an environment that encourages young people to explore opportunities in farming, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

    “This project is expected to have a profound impact on youth empowerment, providing the necessary resources and support for them to build successful careers in agriculture.

    “This will  serve as a testament to our dedication to God and service to humanity,  particularly the well-being and progress of the Orile Agege community,” he said.

  • Ekiti launches agro-trading firm to tackle food inflation

    Ekiti launches agro-trading firm to tackle food inflation

    The Ekiti state government has taken a significant step toward reducing post-harvest losses and curbing exploitative practices in the agricultural sector with the establishment of Ilu Eye Agro Trading and Aggregation Company. 

    The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade in a statement on Sunday, said the initiative aims to eliminate the negative impact of shylock middlemen who buy produce at low prices and hoard them for resale at exorbitant rates.

    The newly established firm, according to Boluwade will oversee direct buyback of key commodities, including rice paddy, beans, maize, garri, and palm oil, from farmers across the state. 

    He described the project as a critical component of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration’s commitment to creating a sustainable food system and enhancing food security.

    Read Also: Coalition lambastes Atiku over attack on Seyi Tinubu

    To support this effort, the Commissioner said that the government has invested heavily in renovating and  constructing state-of-the-art warehouses and storage facilities to ensure safe preservation of agricultural produce.

    Boluwade revealed plans to establish special food markets to make affordable food available to residents while helping to reduce food inflation. 

    He emphasized that the initiative would culminate in transforming Ilu Eye Agro into a Commodity Exchange Company, strengthening fair and transparent pricing for agricultural products.

    He said, “The Commodity Exchange will provide farmers with seamless market access and financing opportunities, similar to successful models in Ethiopia and East Africa, where future produce can be used as collateral for production finance,” Boluwade explained.

    “There’s also ongoing discussions with local and international partners to integrate digitization solutions, including blockchain technology, into the initiative. This innovation promises to revolutionize commodity trading, ensuring transparency, secure trade settlements, and traceability of products while adhering to phytosanitary protocols.

    “Farmers’ groups, cooperatives, and individuals are encouraged to contact the company through the provided channels to take full advantage of these transformative opportunities.

    “This bold initiative underscores the Ekiti State Government’s vision to strengthen the agricultural value chain and improve the livelihoods of its farmers while boosting the state’s food security and economy”, he added. 

  • Professionals give the indigent  food, cash

    Professionals give the indigent  food, cash

    Indigent and less-privileged members of Highway Police Barracks community in Ikeja, Lagos State, including widows, have received cash and food items from patriots under the aegis of Young Professionals For Tinubu (YP4T).

     The event kicked off with a medical programme: ‘BATIFIED Medical Outreach’, where thousands received medical checkups as well as advice and provision of drugs.

    Beneficiaries hailed the sponsors and organisers, saying they brought them hope, support and happiness.

    Read Also: Families flock Agodi Garden, Ventural Mall, UI Zoo, others to celebrate Boxing Day

     General Coordinator of YP4T, Alex Oware, said the group was aware of the economic challenges, hence its commitment to support programmes that accentuates the people-oriented agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

     “As young professionals, we are committed to contributing to make the society better in line with the agenda of President Bola Tinubu government.

    “We’re not relenting. And by the grace of God, next year’s edition shall be better and bigger,” Oware noted.

  • Dying for food: Preventive planning, patience, discipline

    Dying for food: Preventive planning, patience, discipline

    As some of us celebrate Christmas today, many are in mourning from accidents or illnesses which may not have been preventable. We also join in our Christmas prayers the families of the victims of these tragic palliative-related stampedes.  Dying for food is a terrible result. Being crushed to death by one’s Fellow Nigerians is not deserved after surviving poverty inflicted by the economic hardship precipitated by 50 years of unchecked theft by the ‘Collective Thieves of Nigeria’ causing ‘The Poverty Disease’ in 80% of Nigeria’s population.

    Every problem has immediate and remote causes. Yes, we are outraged at the organisers not planning against this problem. They watch TV, where the Immigration recruitment deaths and several other tragedies should have been learnt from. Buhari and Idiagbon introduced War Against Indiscipline, WAI, to get Nigerians queuing up. Yes, the organisers did not expect to pay for crowd control but they must include it as a budgetary line item. Life is irreplaceable. Yes, they have done massive charity before without mishap.

    Remember it was not the organisers but some members of the crowd who broke the rules of ‘lining up’ or ’Queuing Up’ or ‘Wait Their Turn’ WTT. Organisers failed to anticipate and prevent. Nigerians never want to WTT when entering or exiting religious premises be it church, school, transport or office. The two-lane traffic merging ‘after you’ or ‘one car follows after one car from the other side’ law is anathema in Nigeria.  They will argue and push forward. Yes, organisers, morally and maybe criminally, failed to rehearse staff for ‘the Management of Worst Case Scenarios’.  A crowd should have been anticipated.  Nowadays we run a gauntlet of poor urchins, calculating adolescents and thugs.

    Read Also: Christmas: Akpabio, Barau, Adeola, Natasha, Southern Senators’ Forum congratulate Nigerians

    Proper organisation is not new, does not need a computer and is not nuclear physics. All large bodies require to be subdivided to avoid some people being cheated of time or position. Even army organisation demands segments of increasing numbers from 4-10-14 in the basic team, squad, platoon etc.

    In the Bible, when  Our Lord Jesus, as recorded by Mark,  fed the 5,000, he directed his disciples to get the 5,000 people to sit down in ‘groups of 50 and 100’ while Luke writes they sat in ‘groups of 100’. Crowd management is part and parcel of planning of large functions historically. Examples of poor crowd control are instructive and include the Hillsborough football fan disaster which claimed 97 lives. The losses – Oyo State we lost 35 mainly children, 22 in Anambra and 10 in Abuja are unacceptable. Now, it must not be forgotten that the organisers usually start with pure intentions-charity and love of neighbour, though some are ‘cheap publicity and the funds source is sometimes political of corrupt. They usually were never and will never be villains. St Vincent De Paul is a worldwide Catholic charity of parishioner members using parishioners’ own locally generated funds to assist local poor sick and needy patients every single week. The funfair tragedy provider, a separated Queen of Ife, was to be joyful for 5,000 children. The philanthropist in Anambra was pure of heart and a regular giver. Some other organisers are political or personally purely self-serving and self-advertorial. Sadly, the victims are never the ones guilty. They are the victims of other Fellow Nigerians’ collective, arrogance, haste, greed, and refusal to obey ‘WAIT YOUR TURN’ and ‘PLEASE LINE UP BY NUMBER’ and ‘FIRST COME -FIRST SERVED’. CCTV would have identified the citizens who precipitated the stampede. The investigators must obtain all video evidence, construct a timeline and identify instigators. 

    Personal will, patience, responsibility, being one’s brother’s keeper are key. In the late 60s and 70s, Ibadan was known for obeying traffic laws especially ‘Give way to traffic on your left at roundabouts’. Today, if you stop to allow anyone else to pass anywhere in the country, you will be horned at, verbally abused, ‘waka-finger’ signed – an actual curse on self and family- and immediately overtaken on both sides by okadas and the cars behind you which will screech to a mega horn-blaring halt when they find the person, the children, the pregnant woman or the elderly person or the obstruction crossing the road for whom or for which you had stopped. As if that is not enough, during the act of overtaking, you will hear ‘Go get a driver’, ‘Woman, make your man drive for you’. ‘I beg, no enter road again!’ 

    Crowd control is a recurring problem in Nigerian life and even at public functions with large security presence. Witness the number of pseudo-security and VIPs milling around the president on arrival in Lagos. Sometimes one cannot see the Nigerian president because of the crowd around him. Similarly in public funerals. There is little or no organised effort to restrict access or limit access to secure areas.

    Citizens resist good things and misplace blame for failures. Many vehemently mistakenly blame INEC for every election fault forgetting that it is the thugs and political parties’ adherents killing and causing mayhem. America with its 500million guns owned by civilians just had a violence-free election. Our citizens too frequently drown from not wearing simple life jackets. We in Educare Trust fought to make lifesaving seatbelts, crash helmets and life jackets normal. They were not 30 years ago! There was even resistance from commercial users. Today lifejackets are still resisted-what can be more obviously preventable than life jacket? 

    Merry Safe Christmas 2024.

  • Foundation provide food relief to over 500 families in Lagos

    Foundation provide food relief to over 500 families in Lagos

    The Symphony of Praise (SOP) Initiative, in partnership with Yeloto Inc. African Children Foundation, successfully held its Food Box 2024 Project on December 21, 2024, at B-Zone Recreation Park, Jakande Estate, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

    The initiative distributed essential food supplies to 500 families, offering critical relief during the festive season. 

    Among the beneficiaries, 292 were registered attendees, while 208 unregistered individuals also received support, ensuring no one in need was left behind.

    Notably, women constituted 79.5 percent of the beneficiaries, underscoring their significant role in sustaining families during challenging times.

    Additionally, 11.6 per cent of registered beneficiaries who could not attend in person were assisted by representatives.

    Speaking at the event, President of SOP Initiative, Oluwaseun Ayeni, emphasised the broader vision behind the project, stating: “This is about more than food; it’s about sharing hope, building unity, and showing love to our community. Together, we are creating a future where no family has to worry about hunger.”

    Adding a touch of excitement to the day was Nollywood superstar Daniel Etim Effiong, who entertained the crowd, played games, and took photos with attendees. 

    His presence brought joy and excitement, making the event even more memorable for the community.

    Read Also: Anambra stampede: Death toll rises to 22, say police command

    The programme also featured remarks from notable figures, including a respected community leader, Mr Oluwaseyi Adegoke-Adeyemo, who led prayers, and the Public Relations Officer of Yeloto Inc., Mr Idowu, who delivered a heartwarming speech.

    Yeloto Inc.’s generous contribution of N1.5 million funded food boxes for 150 families, showcasing the power of collaboration in tackling food insecurity. This partnership aligns with SOP Initiative’s mission to uplift communities and foster unity through meaningful interventions.

    The food boxes, containing staples such as rice, garri, and seasoning cubes, were designed to ensure families could celebrate Christmas with dignity. The initiative reflects SOP’s alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), further cementing its reputation as a leader in community development.

    As the event concluded with gratitude and joy, SOP Initiative reaffirmed its commitment to driving sustainable impact. 

    “This is just the beginning,” Ayeni remarked. “Together, we’re building a future where every family feels supported and valued.”

    Oluwaseun Ayeni – SOP President presenting food bag to a beneficiary
  • Food providers engage in games to promote health

    Food providers engage in games to promote health

    Association of Professional Food Service Providers of Nigeria (APFSPN) has held its funfair at Ikeja, Lagos.

    Families, friends and members were segmented into four houses reminiscent of schools: white, green, yellow and red, and competed for laurels.

     There was march past, football, dance and music. A panel of judges awarded marks to the best house and individuals.

     APFSPN Chair, Moni Shonibare, said besides giving them the opportunity to wine and dine, the fair was a time to relax and prepare for 2025.

    She advised Nigerians to find the time to unwind as this is good for their health.

    Read Also: Shehu Sani urges National Assembly members to be selfless

    Shonibare, chief executive officer of Sweethands Enterprise, hailed the events, saying the association hoped to continue with the fair.

    She urged her colleagues to embrace the spirit of good sportsmanship as it could help them in their businesses.

    She sought government’s assistance in regulating food prices, saying inflation is affecting their businesses.

    She thanked Lagos State for setting up food hubs, and urged Federal Government to do same to control prices.

      Shonibare, who is handing over next year, thanked members.

  • Patriarch’s descendants distribute food to the poor

    Patriarch’s descendants distribute food to the poor

    Descendants of the late Chief Stephen Babalayoriju Aruwajoye of Owo in Ondo State, have distributed food items, books and cash to poor families in Owo, Owo Local Government.

     The descendants shared the items to mark the 40th anniversary of their patriarch.

    Head of family, Chief Akinboro Aruwajoye, said the empowerment is in to put smiles on the faces of residents.

     Aruwajoye said the distribution of textbooks and notebooks reinforced importance attached to education by their late patriarch, saying it was a passion supported during his lifetime

    Read Also: FIRS boss, Oyedele, DG Budget Office brief Senate, seek passage of Tax Reform Bills

    “Our patriarch, Chief S.B. Aruwajoye was a pioneer industrialist, renowned politician, and community leader.

     Throughout his life, he championed the welfare of others, and the memorial is a testament to his philanthropy.

    “By distributing vital resources, his descendants echoed his commitment to uplift the poor, ensuring his values of compassion and generosity continue.

     “The distribution of palliatives and learning resources is a reminder of the impact an individual can have on people, ensuring the spirit of giving continies to thrive in Owo and beyond’’.

  • Firm eyes $228.35b organic food market

    Firm eyes $228.35b organic food market

    A Nigerian firm, Freshola Organics Food Processing & Packaging Ltd is seeking  an increased share of the global  organic food market valued at $228.35 billion .The market is expected to reach around $ 658.38 billion by 2034

    The organic food market, according to Precedence Research, an international business intelligence firm, is driven by the changing consumer preferences and the rising awareness about organic food.

    The Chief Executive, Freshola Organics Food Processing & Packaging Ltd, Desola Jimmy-Eboma, said there is a large market for organic crops grown without using pesticides, antibiotics, or growth hormones that relieve pressure on animals, too.

    The global organic spices and herbs market size was valued $18.95 billion in 2022.

    She  said her   organisation has been exploring the rising need for organic and natural food driving the global organic spices and herbs market in the United States and UK to sell herbs and spices considered healthier than regular ones.

    She noted that it was challenging exporting organics products to the US and Canada.

    She recalled: “First, navigating the complex regulatory environments in these countries has been a major hurdle. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have stringent standards for labeling, ingredients, and packaging. For instance, ensuring compliance with FDA food labeling laws required substantial investment in research and adjustments to our production and packaging processes.”

    According to her, there were a lot of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that could emerge as key new players in the nation’s industrial sector, given their potential to specialise in niche markets, develop domestic alternatives to foreign inputs and reinforce the industrial chain.

    “High-quality small and medium-sized enterprises have strong innovation capabilities and good growth potential. They are the basic force for improving the stability and competitiveness of the industrial supply chain and an important driver for promoting high-quality economic development.”

    Read Also: Gambian High Commissioner, Ooni decorated as SWAN, AIPS unveil International Diplomacy on Food, Music and Culture

    She said what the economy needed are ideas that demonstrate clear feasibility within a defined business plan, detailing structured goals and sustainable development pathways.

     She urged the government to mobilise public financial institutions and private investors to direct capital towards certified start-ups and SMEs.

    She said SMEs seek a support system to cover all their needs. According to Desola Jimmy-Eboma, the Founder, MBA Business , the  accelerator is determined to cultivate and develop the most promising and innovative small firms which not only rise to the top of the  domestic market, but also can succeed at the international level.

  • Food prices push inflation to 33.88 per cent in October

    Food prices push inflation to 33.88 per cent in October

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), yesterday, said the inflation rate rose to 33.88 per cent in October 2024.

    It soared by 1.18 per cent from the 32.70 per cent recorded in September 2024.

    It blamed the rise on the increase in the costs of food, fuel, electricity, beverages, and others.

    This was contained in a press release the Statistician General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran issued in Abuja.

    He said, “The headline Inflation rate for October 2024, on a year-on-year basis, increased to 33.88% relative to the September 2024 headline inflation rate of 32.70%.

    “Looking at the headline trend, the October 2024 headline inflation rate showed an increase of 1.18% points compared to the September 2024 headline inflation rate.”

    He said similarly, on a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 6.55% points higher compared to the rate recorded in October 2023 (27.33%).

    The increase in the headline index for October 2024, according to him, was attributed to the rise in the average price of some items in the basket of goods and services at the divisional level.

    He said these increases were observed in food and non-alcoholic beverages (17.55%), housing, water, electricity, gas & other Fuel (5.67%), Clothing & footwear (2.59%), transport (2.20%), furnishings & household equipment and maintenance (1.70%), education (1.34%) and health (1.02%).

     He added that others are Miscellaneous Goods & Services (0.56%), Restaurants & Hotels (0.41%), Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco & Kola (0.37%), Recreation & Culture (0.23%) and Communication (0.23%).

    Adeniran said similarly, on a month-over-month basis, the headline inflation rate in October 2024 also rose to 2.64%, compared to the rate recorded in September 2024 (2.52%).

     The press release reads in part: “This shows that the rate of increase in the average price level was higher than that of the preceding month by 0.12%.

    “The percentage change in the average CPI for the twelve months ending October 2024 over the average CPI for the previous corresponding twelve-month period was 32.26%, showing an 8.82% increase compared to 23.44% recorded in October 2023.

     “The Food sub-index for October 2024 increased to 39.16% year-on-year, a 7.46% point higher than the rate recorded in October 2023 (31.52%).

    “The rise in Food inflation on a year-on-year basis was attributed to increases in prices of Guinea Corn, Rice, Maize Grains, Rice, etc. (Bread and Cereals Class), Yam, Water Yam, Coco Yam, etc (Potatoes, Yam & Other Tubers Class), Palm Oil, Vegetable Oil etc. (Oil and Fats Class) and Milo Lipton, Bournvita etc. (Coffee, Tea & Cocoa Class).

    “Likewise, on a month-on-month basis, the Food inflation rate in October 2024 was 2.94%.

    Read Also: ‘Govt should intervene in food prices’

    “This was 0.30% higher compared to the rate recorded in September 2024 (2.64%).

    ” The rise in Food inflation was caused by an increase in the average prices of palm oil, vegetable oil, etc. (oil & fats class), mudfish, croaker (apo), fresh fish (obokun), etc. (Fish Class), Dried Beef, Goat Meat, Mutton, Skin meat, etc (Meat Class), and Bread, Guinea Corn flour, Plantain flour, Rice, etc. (Bread and Cereals Class).

    “The average annual rate of food inflation for the twelve months ending October 2024 over the previous twelve-month average was 38.12%, which was 11.79% points increase from the average annual rate of change recorded in October 2023 (26.33%).

    “Core inflation, which is all items less volatile farm produces and Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS).

    ” The Core inflation rate stood at 28.37% in October 2024 year-on-year. This shows a rise of 5.79% compared to the 22.58% recorded in October 2023.

    “The highest increases were recorded in prices of Bus Journey within the city, Journey by motorcycle Bus journey intercity, etc. (under Passenger Transport by Road Class), Rents (Actual and Imputed Rentals for Housing Class), Meal at a local Restaurant (Accommodation Service Class), and hair cut service, woman hairbrush, women’s hairdressing, etc. (Hairdressing salons & personal grooming establishments Class).

    “Furthermore, on a month-on-month basis, the Core Inflation rate was 2.14% in October 2024, higher by 0.94% compared to 2.10% in September 2024.

    The average twelve-month annual Core inflation rate was 26.12% for the twelve months ending October 2024; this was 6.14% points higher than the 19.98% recorded in October 2023.

     “The Urban consumer’s inflation rate on a year-on-year basis stood at 36.38% for October 2024, this shows a 7.09% point higher compared to the 29.29% recorded in the corresponding month in the year 2023.

    “On a month-on-month basis, the Urban inflation rate grew by 2.75% in October 2024, which shows an increase of 0.08% compared to 2.67% in September 2024.

    The twelve-month average annual inflation rate ending October 2024 over the previous corresponding twelve-month average Urban inflation rate was 34.52%. This was 9.76% points higher compared to the 24.76% reported in October 2023.

     “The Rural consumer’s sub-index in October 2024 was 31.59% on a year-on-year basis; this was 6.01% higher compared to the 25.58% recorded in October 2023.

    On a month-on-month basis, the Rural sub-index in October 2023 was 2.53%, which increased by 0.14% compared to September 2024 (2.39%).

    “The twelve-month average annual inflation rate ending October 2024 over the previous corresponding twelve-month average, Rural inflation rate was 30.24%. This was 8.01% higher than 22.23% recorded in October 2023”.

    “The analyses of the states show that the all-item index for October 2024, on a year-on-year basis was highest in Bauchi (46.68%), Kebbi (40.02%), Sokoto (39.64%), while Delta (27.85%), Benue (28.22%) and Katsina (29.59%) recorded the lowest rise in Headline inflation on Year-on-Year basis.

    “On a month-on-month basis, October 2024 recorded the highest increases in October 2024 recorded the highest increases in Kano (3.77%), Bauchi (3.74%), Adamawa (3.59%), while Kwara (1.27%), Ondo (1.49%) and Lagos (1.91%) recorded the slowest rise.

    State-level analyses of the food index in October 2024, on a year-on-year basis, showed the highest increases in Sokoto (52.18%), Edo (46.55%), Borno (45.85%), while Kwara (31.68%), Kogi (33.30%) and Rivers (33.87%) recorded the slowest rise.

    “On a month-on-month basis, however, October 2024 Food inflation was highest in Adamawa (5.08%), Sokoto (4.86%), and Yobe (4.34%), while Kwara (1.11%), Ondo (1.31%) and Kogi (1.50%) recorded the slowest rise in Food inflation.”