As Christmas and New Year festivities approach, the cost of basic food items has surged across Nigeria, dampening the celebratory spirit for many families.
Civil servants in various states have expressed concerns over the rising prices, with many planning low-key celebrations while awaiting their December salaries.
A survey of major markets by Daily Trust revealed significant price hikes in chickens, turkeys, cows, groundnut oil, and other staples, exacerbated by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Economic challenges, attributed to the current administration’s removal of fuel subsidies and currency floatation policies, have compounded the situation.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s headline inflation rose to 34.60% in November, with food inflation reaching 39.93%, a 7.08% increase compared to the same period last year.
At Utako and Wuse markets in Abuja, local turkeys are priced between N85,000 and N130,000, while “agric” turkeys range from N110,000 to N140,000. Sellers blame the price increases on high transportation and feeding costs.
In Plateau State, Ibrahim Musa, a seller at the Railway Market, reported that chickens cost between N8,000 and N25,000, while turkeys range from N70,000 to N110,000. “The current prices are discouraging people from buying, resulting in low patronage, even during what should be the peak season,” he lamented.
Groundnut oil prices have also soared. At the New Market, a five-litre gallon now sells for N18,000, with sellers attributing the hike to rising groundnut costs.
The cattle market in Jos faces similar challenges, with cows priced between N700,000 and N1.5 million depending on size. “The price is really affecting the market,” said Malam Rabiu Muhammad, chairman of the Cattle Market.
In Benue State, prices of chickens and turkeys range from N15,000 to N22,000 and N65,000, respectively, while a four-litre bottle of cooking oil costs between N19,000 and N22,000. Civil servant Olije Edward described the season as bittersweet: “How can we celebrate properly when everything is this expensive? What should be a season of celebration has become a period of anxiety.”
Lagos markets, including Agege and Mushin, have also seen price surges. Chickens now cost between N13,000 and N15,000, cows range from N1 million to N1.5 million, and a 25kg container of groundnut oil is priced at N100,000 for King and N95,000 for Golden Terra.
In Bayelsa, residents at Swali Market in Yenagoa face similar difficulties, with turkeys priced at N65,000, chickens at N25,000, five litres of groundnut oil at N25,000, and goats ranging from N80,000 to N90,000.
The steep rise in prices has left many Nigerians grappling with how to celebrate the festive season, turning a time traditionally marked by joy into one of financial strain and uncertainty.
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