Residents of Minna, the capital of Niger State, have expressed deep concerns over the escalating prices of foodstuffs and essential commodities in the local markets, describing the situation as increasingly unbearable.
Many families now struggle to afford basic necessities, with some resorting to consuming whatever is available to stave off hunger amidst the ongoing economic hardship.
A survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday revealed that the cost of food items has surged dramatically compared to last year, pushing many households into difficult financial situations.
Traders and residents alike are calling for government intervention to stabilize the economy and alleviate the burden on citizens.
“2023 was Better,” Say Traders
Mr. Innocent Ani, a provision shop owner at Abdulkadir Kure Market, highlighted the sharp rise in the prices of staple foods.
According to Ani, the price of a 50kg bag of foreign rice has skyrocketed from N50,000 in 2023 to N85,000 this year, while the local variety, which sold for N40,000 last year, now costs N80,000.
“Last year, a roll of 14 grams of peak milk sachet was selling for between N750 and N800. Today, it’s N1,500,” Ani lamented.
He also noted that a kilogram of garri, which was N1,500 in 2023, has increased to N2,000.
Malam Anas Usman, another trader in the same market, shared similar concerns.
He mentioned that a measure of beans that cost N1,200 last year now sells for N3,100, underscoring the severe impact on consumers.
Families Struggling to Cope
The rising costs have led to reduced patronage, with families focusing on purchasing only essential items.
Mrs. Dorothy Garba, a housewife, shared her frustration over the current economic situation.
“This small waterproof bag I am carrying here contains foodstuffs worth N15,000, but before, I would use two bagco bags to carry food items of the same amount,” she said, expressing her concern over the steep decline in purchasing power.
Similarly, Hajiya Hauwa Mohammed, who roasts maize at Mobile Roundabout, Minna, noted that the price of maize has doubled.
“A single maize cob that sold for N100 in 2023 is now between N200 and N250, depending on the purchaser’s bargaining power,” she said.
Calls for Government Action
Alhaji Shehu Galadima, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Niger State, attributed the price hikes to various factors including the economic downturn, security challenges, climate change, and delayed government interventions.
Galadima called on the government to establish a price control board and subsidize agricultural inputs to encourage year-round farming.
He also emphasized the need for decisive action against insecurity to attract foreign investments and boost the economy.
In a related development, a market survey in Kogi State showed that while prices of perishable goods have dropped due to harvests, the prices of staples like rice, beans, and gari remain high, putting additional pressure on the purchasing power of residents.
Price Stability Needed
Market traders and residents alike are appealing to the government to take urgent steps to address the rising cost of living.
Mrs. Alice Emeka, a petty trader in Lokoja, said, “We have been crying and appealing to President Bola Tinubu to help reduce the price of petrol so that prices of commodities in the markets can drop. In fact, we, the masses, are not finding life easy.”
The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Timothy Ojomah, urged marketers to be more considerate in their pricing strategies, warning against exploiting the situation for excessive profit at the expense of struggling citizens.
As Nigerians across different states grapple with these economic challenges, the calls for immediate and effective government intervention grow louder, with many hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis.
