Kaduna Market Mayhem: Essential commodities become unaffordable as prices surge
Story from, Aliyu Askira
Prices of essential foodstuffs have surged across major markets in Kaduna Metropolis and surrounding areas, creating significant challenges for residents. Markets in Birnin Gwari, Kawo, Unguwan Rimi, Tudun Wada, and Kasuwan Barchi have all witnessed unprecedented price hikes, putting a strain on household incomes as inflation continues to rise.
Skyrocketing Food Prices in Kaduna Central
In Kaduna Central Market, a 50kg bag of rice is now priced at ₦95,000, while a 100kg bag of beans has jumped to between ₦140,000 and ₦230,000. Other staple foods have also seen sharp increases, with a carton of spaghetti costing ₦18,000 and macaroni priced at ₦20,000.
The situation is dire in Birnin Gwari, an area heavily affected by insecurity. A bag of maize, which sold for ₦92,000 before the recent harvest, now goes for ₦180,000. Local rice has also surged from ₦132,000 to ₦172,000, and millet has seen a sharp rise from ₦64,000 to ₦104,000.
Contributing Factors: Subsidy Removal and Naira Devaluation
Traders attribute the price fluctuations to a combination of the removal of fuel subsidies, the devaluation of the naira, and increased tariffs on imported goods. These issues have combined to make everyday commodities increasingly unaffordable. Many traders and consumers are calling for the government to reinstate subsidies and establish a price control board to regulate the prices of essential goods.
Insecurity and Middlemen Worsen the Crisis
The insecurity plaguing rural areas, particularly in Birnin Gwari, has disrupted food supplies, further pushing up prices. Meanwhile, middlemen have taken advantage of the situation by buying foodstuffs in bulk directly from villages and reselling them at inflated prices in Kaduna. This has made it even more difficult for residents to cope.
Despite the surge in non-perishable goods, the prices of perishable items like tomatoes, okra, peppers, and onions have dropped due to the ongoing harvest season. Supplies from neighbouring states, including Zamfara, Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto, and even Niger Republic, have helped ease the pressure on these goods.
Meat and Other Commodities See Significant Price Increases
The price of meat has increased notably, with a kilo now selling for ₦5,000, while half a kilo costs ₦3,000. A bag of pepper, once ₦85,000, now sells for ₦80,000 following the harvest, while a bag of onions is priced at ₦40,000.
READ ALSO: Prices of perishable foodstuffs reduce in Yobe, Borno, Adamawa as harvests commence
In Zaria, the price of guinea corn ranges from ₦89,000 to ₦90,000, soya beans sell for ₦115,000 to ₦120,000, white beans are priced at ₦200,000, and red beans have skyrocketed to ₦250,000.
Price Overview:
– Guinea Corn (Zaria): ₦89,000 – ₦90,000
– Soya Beans: ₦115,000 – ₦120,000
– White Beans: ₦200,000
– Red Beans: ₦250,000
Economic Hardship Intensifies
Across the seven major markets surveyed, traders and residents alike expressed deep concern over the rising cost of living. One trader noted, “Things are extremely hard for the ordinary man. High transportation costs, inflation, and unemployment are making life unbearable.”
The economic strain is evident in other aspects of daily life, as well. Many students have dropped out of school due to the high cost of living, and there has been a noticeable increase in broken marriages. Reports also indicate that some female students are turning to prostitution in an effort to survive and pay their school fees.
Calls for Government Intervention
As Kaduna’s markets continue to reel from inflation, insecurity, and poor government policies, the call for action is growing louder. Many are urging the government to take immediate steps to stabilise the economy, regulate food prices, and address the root causes of insecurity in the region. Without such interventions, the outlook remains bleak for residents struggling to meet their basic needs.
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