Yam Price Hike Sparks Outcry in Market

Maraba Market in Nasarawa State witnessed a heated argument on Wednesday as skyrocketing yam prices left shoppers frustrated. A woman, intending to buy just two tubers of yam, was shocked when the seller quoted an exorbitant price of ₦10,000—₦5,000 per tuber.

The woman, visibly upset, could not hide her frustration. She began ranting loudly about the steep rise in yam prices, lamenting how the staple food, once affordable, has become a luxury. Her words caught the attention of nearby shoppers, many of whom nodded in agreement, sharing their own grievances about the increasing cost of basic food items. Some shoppers even joined in, recounting how the prices of other commodities like rice, beans, and vegetables had also soared in recent weeks, adding to the everyday struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

The seller, on his part, explained that rising transportation costs, inflation, and poor harvests had pushed prices up, making it impossible to sell at the rates of the past. Despite his explanation, the woman continued to express her dismay, pointing out how difficult it had become for everyday Nigerians to buy essential foods. Her voice rose in exasperation, attracting curious onlookers and even some laughter from passersby who could relate to her frustration.

“This is too much! How can two tubers of yam cost ten thousand naira?” she exclaimed, shaking her head. “It’s becoming impossible to feed a family without spending a fortune!”

The incident in Maraba reflects a wider concern across Nigeria, where staple foods such as yam have seen a sharp increase in price, putting pressure on low- and middle-income households. Market observers warn that if these trends continue, everyday commodities could become increasingly out of reach for ordinary citizens. Economists attribute the price surge to a combination of inflationary pressures, poor harvest yields, and the rising cost of farm inputs, which continue to drive up market prices.

As the woman walked away empty-handed, the market buzzed with conversations about the soaring cost of food, highlighting the growing tension between consumers and sellers in the face of inflation. Many shoppers left the market disappointed, vowing to adjust their budgets and rethink their purchases in order to cope with the new reality of steep food prices.