Rising food prices across Nigeria have continued to place pressure on households, with many families struggling to cope with the increasing cost of basic commodities amid persistent inflation and economic uncertainty.
A market survey conducted by the sources in parts of Abuja, Lagos and Kano showed significant increases in the prices of staple foods including rice, beans, garri, yam, vegetable oil and tomatoes.
Some traders attributed the development to transportation costs, insecurity affecting farming communities, fluctuating exchange rates and high fuel prices.
A rice dealer at Wuse Market in Abuja, Mrs Grace Yakubu, told source that the price of a 50kg bag of local rice had increased considerably in recent months.
“Transportation alone is affecting everything. Farmers are also complaining about insecurity and the high cost of farm inputs,” she said.
Similarly, a tomato seller, Malam Ibrahim Musa, said the scarcity of produce from some northern farming areas had contributed to rising prices in urban markets.
“Tomatoes spoil easily and transporting them is expensive now. Many farmers are harvesting less because of insecurity and climate challenges,” he said.
Economic analysts say the situation is worsening the cost-of-living crisis, particularly for low-income earners who spend a significant portion of their income on food and transportation.
An economist at the Nigerian Economic Society, Dr Chinedu Okafor, said inflationary pressures could persist unless there was improved agricultural productivity and stability in supply chains.
According to him, increased investment in rural infrastructure, security and agricultural support programmes would help boost food production and stabilise prices.
“Government intervention is necessary to reduce the burden on vulnerable households and encourage local food production,” he said.
Some residents who spoke with source expressed concern over their declining purchasing power.
Mrs Amina Suleiman, a civil servant in Abuja, said many families had been forced to reduce the quantity and quality of meals consumed daily.
“We now buy in smaller quantities because salaries can no longer cover household needs the way they used to,” she said.
A commercial driver, Mr Yusuf Adamu, also said the increase in fuel and transportation costs had affected both businesses and consumers.
“Everything is connected. When transport fares increase, the prices of goods automatically go up,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to addressing food insecurity through agricultural reforms, improved mechanised farming and support for local farmers.
Experts, however, stressed the need for sustained policy implementation, improved security in farming communities and stronger market regulation to curb exploitation and ensure food availability across the country.
They noted that stabilising the economy and supporting domestic agricultural production remained critical to reducing inflation and improving living conditions for millions of Nigerians.
