Buba Galadima’s Divisive Comment On Food Prices Must Be Condemned -By Isaac Asabor

In a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic challenges and striving for unity, it is disheartening to see political figures like Buba Galadima resort to divisive and inciting rhetoric. His recent claim that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deliberately crashing food prices to destroy the economy of Northern Nigeria is not only unfounded but also lacks patriotic substance. Such statements do nothing to promote a united Nigeria; instead, they sow seeds of distrust and regional animosity at a time when collective progress should be our focus.

Galadima’s remarks, made during an interview with DCL Hausa, suggest that the drop in food prices is part of a calculated effort to weaken the North. This assertion is baseless and does not reflect the economic realities of the country. The recent decline in food prices is a welcome relief for Nigerians across all regions, not just the North. The notion that lower food prices are a cause for concern rather than a benefit to struggling citizens is both misleading and insensitive.

To condemn his viewpoint in this context, it suffices to opine that economic policies should be evaluated based on their overall impact on national well-being, not through a narrow regional lens. The claim that the Tinubu administration is deliberately allowing food imports to undermine Northern agriculture ignores the fact that food security is a national issue. If government intervention, such as border adjustments and market regulation, leads to lower food prices, it should be seen as a step in the right direction for millions of Nigerians who have struggled with soaring costs.

Nigeria has faced severe inflationary pressures in recent years, particularly in the cost of food items. A combination of factors, including insecurity, foreign exchange instability, high transportation costs, and supply chain disruptions, contributed to skyrocketing food prices. The recent decline in food costs, as reported by various market surveys, is a much-needed relief for ordinary Nigerians.

For instance, a Business Day report revealed that food prices dropped by approximately 40% between December 2024 and March 2025. A big basket of fresh tomatoes, which sold for an average of N120,000 last year, now costs N35,000, a staggering 70% reduction. Likewise, a tuber of yam, which was previously N5,500, is now selling for N2,500, while the cost of rice has significantly dropped across the country. These are clear indicators that the economic policies implemented by the government are having a positive effect, ensuring that food is more accessible and affordable for the masses.

In fact, Buba Galadima’s claim that the price crash is a deliberate attempt to weaken the North’s economy is not only incorrect but also deeply problematic. If anything, lower food prices should be celebrated, as they provide relief to millions of struggling Nigerians who have borne the brunt of high inflation. Galadima’s argument suggests that food prices should remain high to protect the agricultural economy of the North, a stance that is not only economically unsound but also detrimental to the overall welfare of Nigerian citizens.

Moreover, his assertion that Northern farmers are being undermined by food imports ignores the broader reality that food insecurity has been exacerbated by factors such as banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, and lack of mechanized farming. The North has long been regarded as Nigeria’s agricultural hub, but persistent security challenges have hindered farming activities, leading to reduced crop yields and higher food prices. Rather than blaming the government’s policy decisions, Galadima and other Northern leaders should focus on addressing these fundamental security issues and advocating for increased agricultural investments.

At a time when Nigeria is making efforts to address economic difficulties, Galadima’s divisive remarks do nothing but fuel regional tensions. His suggestion that Tinubu’s policies are targeted at the North feeds into a dangerous narrative that could deepen the country’s existing fault lines. Nigeria has, for far too long, suffered from ethnically charged politics that prioritize regional interests over national development. Such an approach does not serve the collective interest of Nigerians but rather creates unnecessary animosity among different groups.

Leaders have a responsibility to foster unity and inspire trust in governance. Rather than making inflammatory statements, responsible politicians should offer constructive solutions to national issues. If Galadima genuinely cares about the agricultural economy of the North, he should advocate for policies that promote mechanized farming, irrigation, and infrastructural development in the sector, rather than promoting a narrative of victimhood.

Food security is a critical component of national stability and economic prosperity. A country where citizens cannot afford basic food items is one that is destined for social unrest. Nigeria has witnessed cases where food scarcity led to protests, looting, and heightened insecurity. If the government’s policies are now yielding results that lower food costs, it should be recognized as progress rather than condemned as an economic sabotage against a particular region.

The Nigerian government has a duty to ensure that food is available and affordable for all citizens, regardless of their location. Policies that facilitate food production, importation, and distribution must be geared toward national well-being, not regional interests. While it is true that the North is heavily dependent on agriculture, the solution does not lie in keeping food prices artificially high. Instead, efforts should be made to modernize agricultural practices, improve access to farming equipment, and provide security for farmers to operate without fear of attacks.

Nigeria’s political class must rise above divisive rhetoric and embrace a more constructive approach to national discourse. Leaders like Buba Galadima should channel their energy into advocating for policies that uplift all Nigerians rather than inciting regional grievances. Instead of pointing fingers at the government for reducing food prices, political leaders should work towards addressing the root causes of the North’s agricultural challenges, such as insecurity, lack of access to credit for farmers, and outdated farming techniques.

Furthermore, Nigerians must be cautious of politicians who exploit ethnic and regional sentiments for personal or political gain. The real enemies of progress are not policies that make life easier for citizens but those who seek to manipulate the people for selfish interests.

Buba Galadima’s assertion that the drop in food prices is a deliberate attack on the Northern economy is not only misleading but also dangerous. Such divisive rhetoric should be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians who desire a united and prosperous nation. The focus should be on finding solutions to Nigeria’s economic and security challenges rather than creating unnecessary regional divisions.

Lower food prices benefit every Nigerian, regardless of region, ethnicity, or political affiliation. If anything, the government should be encouraged to implement more policies that alleviate the cost of living crisis rather than be accused of economic sabotage. Nigeria must rise above ethnic politics and embrace a collective approach to national development. It is only through unity and responsible leadership that we can build a prosperous future for all.