By: Abdulmalik Adetola Lawal
As yuletide season continues, Nigerians are grappling with the harsh realities of inflation, with transportation and food prices soaring to unprecedented levels.
A market survey carried out by AgroNigeria revealed that transport fares are fluctuating every two days, making mobility increasingly unaffordable for many. Meanwhile, food prices continue to climb, placing additional strain on already burdened households.
At Molete Market in Kwara State, traders voiced their frustrations. Iya Wasiu, a fish seller, lamented the sharp rise in the price of a carton of fish, a dietary staple, which has surged from ₦6,000 to ₦11,000. Crayfish, another essential ingredient, now costs ₦6,000 per paint, tripling from its previous price of ₦2,000.
Other items have seen similar price hikes. A 25-liter container of palm oil has jumped from ₦48,000 to ₦57,000, while groundnut oil now costs ₦3,000 per bottle, up from ₦2,500 last month. Onions, a common ingredient, have doubled in price, rising from ₦500 to ₦1,000 per bunch.
Traders across Nigeria are struggling to cope with these increases. “The inflation is unbearable, and it’s hard to make a profit,” a trader remarked. “Prices change daily, and without government intervention, these costs could lead to increased theft and insecurity in our communities.”
Despite the challenges, some traders report mixed experiences. Iya Ibeji, a pepper seller, noted that while pepper prices are lower than last year, sales remain sluggish. “This should be a peak season for us, but the economic downturn has affected demand,” she said.