Maize farmers in Kaduna State have reported losses exceeding 10 billion naira during the 2025 farming season, blaming a sharp crash in maize prices that has wiped out their investments. Over 2,100 farmers, who cultivated approximately 10,000 hectares across Igabi, Soba, Kauru, Zaria, and Sabon Gari Local Government Areas, are calling on the Federal Government to step in to prevent the sector’s collapse and avert a looming threat to national food security.
Farmers highlighted that soaring fertiliser and input costs have drastically raised the cost of production. Cultivating one hectare of maize now costs over 2 million naira, while market prices have fallen by roughly 50%, leaving them unable to recover expenses. From an estimated harvest of 450,000 bags, total losses were calculated at more than 10.16 billion naira.
The maize farming initiative, coordinated under Alhaji Rufai Muazu Dikko, also known as Sarkin Labar, is now facing uncertainty. In a letter addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister of Agriculture, the CBN Governor, and Kaduna’s three Senators, farmers requested free or heavily subsidised inputs for the 2026 season, offering to repay in maize after harvest.
The farmers warned that without immediate support, many could abandon maize production entirely, further threatening Nigeria’s food supply. With preparations for the next planting season already underway, urgent government intervention is seen as essential to sustain maize cultivation and protect the nation’s food security.
