The market has witnessed a sharp increase in the cost of foodstuff, causing concerns among traders and consumers. Many shoppers are now struggling to afford basic items as the prices of staple goods have skyrocketed, with many attributing the price hikes to the rising cost of fuel.
During my visit to Maraba Market, I observed many shoppers expressing frustration over the rising cost of foodstuffs. Several buyers I interviewed shared that the money they bring to the market barely covers enough to sustain their households.
“I came to the market today with ₦50,000, hoping to buy enough foodstuff for my family, but I was shocked at how little I could afford,” one shopper explained. “In the past, this amount would have bought us a reasonable quantity of items, but now it seems like everything is double the price.”
Another shopper, who came with ₦100,000, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “The cost of a bag of rice alone has become almost unaffordable. A bag of rice now costs around ₦110,000, compared to much lower prices a few months ago. This leaves very little for other essentials.”
The high cost of rice, a staple food in many Nigerian homes, forcing many families to either reduce their consumption or seek cheaper alternatives.
Traders at the market confirmed that the surge in food prices is largely due to the rising cost of fuel, which has made transportation of goods to the market more expensive.
One trader explained that they now spend more on fuel for transporting goods from various parts of the country, and these extra costs are passed on to consumers.
“As long as fuel prices continue to rise, the cost of foodstuff will also increase,” a trader said. “We don’t have a choice but to increase our prices, or we won’t make any profit.”
The situation reflects a broader national trend, as inflation and fuel prices continue to affect the economy. Many are calling on the government to take urgent steps to address the high cost of living, particularly in the area of food security, as the average Nigerian struggles to cope with the rising prices.
Until then, the burden of feeding households at a reasonable cost remains a pressing issue for many families.
