A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has pointed fingers at Nigerian traders for the continued high prices of food items across the country, accusing them of greed and unwillingness to reduce prices despite favorable economic indicators.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Igbokwe, a known supporter of President Bola Tinubu's administration, claimed that while statistics show food prices are declining, these reductions are not being reflected in market prices due to what he described as traders' "wickedness."

"Prices of food and commodities are coming down but Nigerians will not help Nigerians," Igbokwe wrote. "Our greed, our wickedness and avaricious tendencies have no part two. We are our worst enemies. Nigerians steal what they do not need."

The political commentator's remarks come amid widespread concerns over the cost of living crisis in Nigeria, where many families continue to struggle with affording basic food items. Food inflation has been a persistent challenge for the Tinubu administration since taking office.

Igbokwe's comments have sparked mixed reactions, with some Nigerians questioning the claim that food prices are actually decreasing at the statistical level, while others debate whether traders or government policies are more responsible for the current economic situation.

The APC chieftain, who has previously defended various policies of the current administration, did not provide specific data to support his assertion that food prices are declining statistically.

Food inflation remains one of the most pressing economic challenges facing ordinary Nigerians, with prices of staple foods such as rice, beans, and garri having seen significant increases over the past year.