Since the harvest began weeks ago, grain markets across Nigeria have experienced increased trading activities, with dealers tracking farmers even to villages to buy grains. For example, in Niger State, maize is sold at varying prices depending on its dryness, ranging from N42,000 to N48,000 per 100kg bag, while local rice is sold for N150,000 per 100kg.
Farmers in areas such as Gunu, Lapai, and Bida have been selling directly to middlemen, many of whom come from states like Sokoto, Kano, and Zamfara. These middlemen are said to create artificial scarcity by buying large quantities and reselling them at higher prices.
According to traders and farmers, the rush to buy grains is also due to fears of future price hikes, particularly as other staple food prices rise. Poultry farmers have also increased their grain purchases for feed production.
Despite some criticism, middlemen and brokers argue that they are not responsible for price hikes, insisting that the market itself dictates prices. However, some experts suggest that government intervention, such as establishing agricultural marketing boards, could help stabilize prices.
