FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – Residents of Lafia, Nasarawa state, north central Nigeria, are battling with rising food costs ahead of the forthcoming Eid al-Adha (big Sallah) celebration as prices of vegetables have recorded sharp increases across major markets in the city.
A survey conducted by the Federal Information Centre Lafia Information and Public Relations Officer (Information and Public Relations Officer) on Monday at modern Market and Old Lafia (Neighborhood) markets showed that tomatoes, red bell peppers and hot peppers were among the commodities most affected by the price surge.
Traders blamed the development on scarcity of produce and rising transportation costs from farming communities to urban markets.
One of the traders, Aliyu Magaji, said prices of vegetables had doubled within a few weeks, making it difficult for both sellers and buyers to cope.
According to him, a large basket of tomatoes which sold for between N60,000 and N70,000 about a month ago now costs between N120,000 and N130,000.
He added that a big paint bucket of tomatoes previously sold for about N15,000 but now goes for between N30,000 and N35,000.
Magaji also disclosed that a small bag of hot pepper rose from N42,000 to about N57,000, while a large bag of red bell peppers jumped from N80,000 to as much as N125,000.
The survey further revealed that the price of onions had also increased significantly, with a big bag now selling for between N45,000 and N50,000 as against the previous N35,000, while a small bag rose from N23,000 to about N28,000.
Another trader, Awwalu Tanimu, attributed the situation to the end of the cultivation season in many parts of the country, which he said had drastically reduced supply.
He noted that transportation costs had equally worsened the situation for traders and consumers alike.
Some residents expressed concern that the rising prices could overshadow preparations for the Sallah celebration.
A shopper, A’isha Mohammed, lamented that many families might struggle to prepare meals during the festive period because of the high cost of vegetables.
Another resident, Maimuna Abubakar, described the situation as overwhelming, saying the quantity of tomatoes she bought for N4,000 two weeks earlier now costs N8,500 and is even harder to find in the market.
She added that the development might force her to cook only for her immediate family during the celebration.
ARI, LIMAN AMINU.
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA.
