As the harvest season commences in parts of Nigeria, the expected multiplier effects on food prices have been mixed in Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina States.
While prices have dropped in some areas, others have remained high or even increased.
In Kano State, prices of food items have decreased, with a bag of maize selling for N95,000, down from N105,000. However, local rice remains costly, with a bag going for between N150,000 and N170,000.
Malam Tanko Idris, a produce dealer, attributed the availability of products to bumper harvests.
In Kaduna State, prices have stabilized in some areas, such as Zaria, but remained high in others, like Kaduna city.
A customer, Amina Mohammed, said, “I bought a mudu of rice at N2,300 recently, against the N2400 initial price. The difference is too insignificant.”
In Katsina State, prices remain high, despite the harvest season.
A 100kg bag of beans sells for N168,000, down from N200,000, while a measure of beans costs around N4,200.
Malam Yusuf Ibrahim described the situation as “worrisome,” despite a slight decrease in prices.
The varying prices have taken a toll on the purchasing power of ordinary citizens in the three states.