• Average chicken price hits N30,000, ponmo now a ‘luxury’
• Traders lament low patronage

By Akinnodi Francis, Ayodele Popoola, Adeboye Ado and Kayode Afolabi

As Christians across the country join others worldwide to mark the Easter celebration, the season of joy has been overshadowed by bitter complaints of hardship, as residents groan under the weight of skyrocketing prices of food items in major markets.

A market survey conducted by Sunday Hope across Ondo and neighbouring states revealed that the prices of essential foodstuffs such as rice, yam, tomato, pepper, fish, chicken and even water had remained outrageously high, dashing the hope of many for a joyous celebration.

In Akure, the Ondo State capital, complaints trailed the Easter rush.

At Oba Adesida and Odopetu markets, our reporters found that a 50kg basket of tomatoes now sells between N50,000 and N70,000 compared to N40,000 weeks ago. A 50kg bag of ‘rodo’ (atarodo pepper) now goes for between N120,000 and M150,000 up from N100,000. A 100kg basket of onions has jumped from N75,000 to N100,000.

Also, a 50kg bag of local rice, which was N65,000 last Easter, is now N80,000 while the price of 50kg imported rice ranges from N88,000 to N95,000.

Five tubers of yam now cost N12,000 while a bunch of plantain at Odopetu market goes for N4,500. A crate of eggs, which sold for N2,000 earlier in the year, now costs N5,800. Old layers now go for N12,000 while broilers are priced at N25,000.

Red meat has not been spared, with a slight increase in price from N6,000 – N6,500 per kilo. Also, palm oil prices have experienced a slight dip, now selling for between N6,500 and N7,000 for five litres. Still, many shoppers described the cost as exorbitant.

In Ondo city, the story was not different. Traders complained of low patronage while buyers expressed frustration at the inability to afford basic food items.

A medium-size layer chicken now sells for N10,000, while a big broiler ranges from N25,000 to N30,000. A pack of spaghetti has increased from N1,000 to N1,200. A bag of sachet water remains at N500, but some sellers now demand as much as ₦100 for just three sachets, raising eyebrows among buyers.

Mrs Stella Fayomi, a yam seller, attributed the situation to the scarcity of produce and soaring transportation costs.

“A big Abuja yam now sells for ₦3,200 while five tubers go for N15,000. It’s too expensive for the average family,” she said.

Further findings revealed that a bag of local rice which previously sold for N75,000 now goes for N90,000. ‘Shawa’ fish that once cost between N150 and N300 per piece now sells for N700 to N800. Chicken has climbed to N3,700 per kilo, up from N3,000.

In Ore, the headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area, our correspondent observed sharp increases in food prices. A carton of Titus fish, which sold for N40,000 just weeks ago, now ranges between N45,000 and N60,000. A rubber of rice now sells between N2,500 and N3,800 depending on location and quality.

A fish seller, Mrs Olubunmi Ajayi, at the Ore main market, lamented the steep rise in prices, saying, “The cost of fish has gone beyond what average people can afford. Sales are poor, and customers are complaining daily. We need help.”

A rice wholesaler, Mama Nnenna, gave a glimmer of hope, disclosing that the price of foreign rice had slightly dropped.

“A bag that used to cost N80,000 is now between N65,000 and N69,000. But things are still tight,” she added.

Mr Alaba Taiwo, who was shopping for the Easter celebration, said the economic strain had forced many to scale back their plans. “The prices keep rising, but our salaries and incomes don’t. It’s getting unbearable,” he said.

A trader, Madam Morenike, who blamed the persistent hike on rising transport costs and insecurity, said: “The cost of diesel and petrol is killing us. Farmers are afraid to go to the farm. Until the government tackles these issues, we’ll keep battling food inflation.”

Adding their voices, some Akungba Akoko residents expressed deep frustration over the lack of improvement in prices even during festive periods.

Also, a retiree, Mrs Modupe Awolumate stated: “Yes, we are celebrating Easter because we are Christians, but it’s hard to smile when prices remain the same or higher. For N1,000, you get just seven tiny tomatoes. Five yams now cost N10,000. This is not normal.”

She appealed to government at all levels to step in: “We are begging. People are suffering. Local, state and federal governments must work together to make food affordable again.”

A student, Miss Iyabo Balogun, lamented that even ponmo (cow skin), often seen as a cheaper meat substitute, had become a luxury.

“Frozen chicken is N6,000 per kilo, live chickens are N15,000 to N20,000. Now ponmo is also expensive. People now cook vegetables without meat,” she said.

In a similar tone, a fish vendor, Mojisola Akerele, complained about poor sales.

“Customers are not coming anymore. The prices are scaring them away. Government must do something fast,” she said.

Similar reports from Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Lagos states, corroborate the Ondo State test case.