By Elizabeth Abiodun, Blessing Odole, Damilola Adeniyi, Victor Abiodun, Mercy Odeyemi & Grace Oloruntoba
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Nigerians have continued to groan over skyrocketed increase in prices of essential commodities ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Recent market survey conducted by The Hope revealed the surge in the prices of various food items.
The survey across major markets like Oja-Oba (Adedeji market), Erekesan, Shasha, and other neighborhood markets, in Ondo State unveiled notable commonalities in the escalating costs of essential commodities, raising apprehensions among both traders and consumers.
Investigation showed substantial surge in rice prices. Long-grain foreign rice increased from N40, 000 to N48,000 and N55,000, and short-grain foreign rice to N45, 000 as against N35,000. The price of local rice also skyrocketed from N30,000 to between N48, 000 to N50,000, depending on the quality and brand.
Meanwhile, prices of broilers and turkeys, which are common meats and mostly purchased during festive period have become relatively unaffordable for a common man.
For instance, a broiler chicken which was sold at N11, 000 few weeks ago is now sold at the rates of N18, 000 and N20,000, while Noiler breed which was N8, 000 before is now N15, 000-N18000. Equally, the price of turkey has increased from N25,000, N30, 000 to N45000 – N50000, depending on their weights.
Some poultry farmers, including Mr Kolawole Balogun and Wumi Gbadamosi attributed the high cost to increased prices of feeds among other running costs.
In her view, a resident, Mrs Faderera Joy emphasised that the negative impact of the inflation will be on families and communities still struggling, calling for less importation of products.
“I hope there is improvement over time. There is a need for us to invest in agriculture and focus less on importation of food items the country can produce,” she said.
Also, yellow garri of 50kg rose from between N24,000 and N25,000 to N28,000, white garri of 50kg from N20,000 to N30,000, while a rubber of garri increased from N300 to the range of N500.
The price of edible oil also experienced a significant upward trend as palm oil of 20 litres is sold at N28,000 against N20,000. Groundnut oil of 20 litres increased from N28,000 to N38,000, while vegetable oil of 25 litres rose from N30,000 to N38,000, depending on the quality and brand.
The Hope gathered that even noodles and spaghetti prices also witnessed the upsurge as a carton of spaghetti increased from N22,000 to N45,000 while a carton of noodles increased from N3,500 to N4,500.
A bag of beans rose from N56,000 to N72,000, a basket of tomatoes from N15,000 to N20,000, a basket of pepper from N20,000 to N25,000, and a bag of pupuru from N20,000 to N32,000.
Some traders and consumers who spoke with The Hope expressed concerns, saying the basic necessities are getting out of the reach of the common man as too much money are now buying fewer goods, putting unnecessary pressure on the masses.
They are pleading for government intervention to address the escalating food prices, especially as the festive season comes in.
A consumer, Mrs Funmilayo Ogunbi and Mr Abubakar Ali, a trader at Oja-Oba, Akure expressed worry over the continuous increase in the cost of foodstuffs, especially when there is limited resources, noting that the rise in prices is causing serious hardship to many families.
They pleaded with government at all levels for intervention in the interest of the masses.
A palm oil seller at Erekesan market, Mrs Ogundele Tosin described the development as a disadvantage to her, as prices doubled within a short time.
“A 25litre keg of palm oil was sold at N25,000 last week but it has increased to N28,000 when I went to buy it yesterday,” she lamented..
Also, Mrs Odole Elisabeth and Mrs Oluchi Grace explained that the masses and the less privileged are worse hit by the ugly development, as most find it difficult to afford three square meals.
At Shasha market, Mrs Alabi Adenike explained the dramatic increase in foodstuff prices, leading to struggles for both marketers and consumers.
“Food stuff had increased dramatically within a few months and many people are struggling to feed themselves. Many marketers are struggling to make ends meet. My customers now can’t afford to buy as much as they used to buy. The government should take action to help people afford basic necessities,” she pleaded.