Consumers, traders react as food prices change during Ramadan period
Story by Kabiru Ahmad IBRAHIM (Student at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria)
Students of the Kongo Campus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who majorly patronise the small Tudun Wada Market located close to the campus walls for their daily shopping needs have expressed concerns about fluctuating prices of essential food items.
The market, popularly referred to by students as “Kasuwar Ghetto,” serves as a convenient alternative due to the absence of a major commercial market within close proximity to the campus.
Although prices in Tudun Wada Market are reportedly slightly higher compared to larger markets in Zaria, students often consider the cost and inconvenience of transportation to distant markets and therefore prefer to shop locally.
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During a market survey, a trader Malam Abbas, who sells general goods, confirmed that prices of goods have generally declined compared to previous months.
He also described his relationship with student customers as cordial and mutually beneficial, highlighting the importance of students as a major customer base for traders in the area.
Vegetable vendors also reported a significant reduction in prices compared to the sharp increases recorded months earlier.
According to them, vegetables are currently affordable, reflecting a temporary easing of food price pressures.
However, when asked about the prospects of food price inflation in the coming months, particularly during the Ramadan period, a season traditionally associated with increased demand and price hikes in Nigeria, traders expressed mixed expectations.
While some remained optimistic that prices would remain stable, others predicted a possible rise in food and commodity prices due to seasonal demand pressures.
In major markets across Nigeria, a bag of beans that was N50,000 has gone up to N90,000.
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Maize that sold between N25,000 and N27,000 is now significantly higher. Local rice jumbo packs approaching 100kg are now selling close to N100,000, reflecting heightened demand as Ramadan begins.
A local measure of beans that previously sold for N700 now costs N1,400. While a 100 kg bag of White Beans sold a few days ago at N65,000 has gone up to N110,000.
A 100 kg of Paddy Rice sold at the rate of N18,000 has gone up to N28,000 to N30,000.
Similarly 100 kg bag of maize sold at the rate of N15,000 to N18,000 is now sold at the rate of N23,000 to N24,000.
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