Senator Adams Oshiomhole has stirred debate after asserting that a section of Nigerians is now complaining about declining food prices, a development he linked directly to the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking during a recent appearance on Channels Television, the Edo North lawmaker argued that the reforms introduced by the federal government were never meant to be cosmetic but deliberately far-reaching.
According to him, early outcomes are already visible in the food market.
“The reality is that we told Nigerians these changes would be tough but necessary,” Oshiomhole said.
“Today, some people are strangely unhappy because food prices are coming down.”
Moreover, the former Edo State governor dismissed claims that the government was deliberately forcing prices down for political gain ahead of the 2027 elections.
He described such accusations as ironic, noting that criticism now comes from those who previously accused the administration of worsening hunger.
“I have even heard opposition figures alleging that the president is manipulating food prices,” he said.
“Ironically, they are upset that food is becoming more affordable.”
Looking ahead to President Tinubu’s expected re-election bid, Oshiomhole said the administration would campaign on the tangible outcomes of its policies, particularly in fiscal management and taxation.
He maintained that reforms, though unpopular at first, were beginning to stabilise the economy.
Furthermore, the senator threw his weight behind the president’s tax reform agenda, describing it as aligned with progressive governance.
He explained that the new framework shifts more responsibility to higher earners while easing the burden on low-income Nigerians.
“The tax laws reflect fairness,” Oshiomhole said. “Those who earn more are expected to contribute more, while vulnerable citizens are protected through exemptions.”
However, the narrative has been challenged by opposition parties. In October 2025, the African Democratic Congress accused the Tinubu-led government of engineering an artificial drop in food prices to gain political advantage before the next general elections.
The ADC’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the price decline was driven by import waivers that allowed cheap foreign food into the country.
He warned that such measures could hurt local farmers already struggling with insecurity, inflation, and high production costs.
Meanwhile, concerns over the agricultural sector persist.
In December 2025, the Senate urged the federal government to reduce fertiliser prices, citing the need to protect farmers as farm-gate prices fell amid rising input expenses.
Hence, while the government points to easing food prices as evidence of reform success, the broader debate continues over sustainability, local production, and the long-term impact on Nigeria’s agricultural economy.