Citizens across Nigeria have expressed concern over the rising prices of essential commodities such as rice, flour, sugar and cement. This is just as the naira continues to suffer depreciation, thereby reducing the purchasing power of the people.
Investigations by our correspondents in Kano, Kwara, Ebonyi, Oyo, and Lagos states as well as Abuja revealed challenging situations for various groups of people, with some residents resorting to prayers while others calling on the government to take decisive control measures.
Kano
In Kano, it was gathered that a 50kg bag of locally milled rice, which sold at N47,700 early January, is now selling at between N58,500 and N60,000 depending on the brand, while a 50kg bag of flour, which was sold at N35,500 early January is now N40,000.
Similarly, a 50kg bag of sugar at Singer Market is now selling at N73, 000 as against N62, 000 sold in early January.
A bag of cement, which was N5, 500 in the beginning of January 2024, rose to N7, 300 as of Thursday.
According to a civil servant and a father of five, Malam Shehu Usman, the current situation is beyond explanation. He described the price hikes as something that needed divine intervention.
“We have to turn to God and seek his forgiveness, because what is happening goes beyond human explanation. Imagine an increase of N10, 300 within 30 days on a 50kg bag of rice and no one is saying anything?
“To many of us, life has never been so difficult than what we are going through presently. Many households cannot afford three meals in a day,” he said.
Another resident, Isah Bello, said his major concern is on how people will cope with the situation during Ramadan when Muslims observe fast. He stressed the need for the authorities to do the needful before things get out of control.
Abuja
A bag of flour has hit N44, 000 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Daily Trust investigation revealed.
Lamenting the situation, a caterer at Wuse Market, Abuja, Mrs Kafayat Musa said her profit had reduced drastically.
“Just last week, it (flour) was sold for N41, 000. I no longer make much profit, despite increasing the cost of egg rolls, doughnuts, among others. The government should please do something,” she said.
Investigations by our correspondent yesterday across major markets in the nation’s capital also revealed that a bag of sugar now costs between N72,000 and N75,000, as against about N60,000 and N62,000 early this year.
Rice now sells for between N55,000 and N61, 000 for a 50kg bag, depending on the area of purchase. The same quantity sold at between N45,000 and N55,000 earlier this year.
Similarly, a bag of cement has hit N6,500 in Abuja. Last week, it was sold for between N5, 200 and N5, 400.
