‘We only eat to survive, not satisfactorily,’ Nigerians decry rising cost of foodstuff

Some Nigerians living in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed worry over the continuous increase in the prices of foodstuffs and other commodities this Eid-el Kabir festive season. A visit to some markets in Abuja and its environs showed that the prices of goods have continued to rise. Some respondents told journalists at Dutse Market in Bwari Area Council that meeting their family needs was becoming increasingly difficult due to lean resources. Mohammed Rabiu, a buyer, said it was unfortunate that he could not afford the feeding needs of his family due to the high price of food items. Mr Rabiu pleaded for government intervention by using relevant instruments and institutions to lower the cost of goods.

“A lot of people are ceasing the economic situation to dupe others and blame it on fuel subsidy removal. I witnessed how somebody will keep what she bought previously at a certain amount but refuse to sell those items. Let the government monitor the market to control the prices of goods. This will help a lot in curtailing the rising cost of things,’’ he said. Similarly, when asked how she was coping with the economy, Amina Bawa, another buyer, said, “When I hear prices of foodstuffs, I feel like committing suicide. But I can’t because it is not a good thing to do. I can’t remember the last time I ate to my satisfaction; I only eat to survive,” she said. Another respondent, Idris Bello, urged government agencies to see the need for a regulatory system in the country to avoid the unnecessary hike in food items and all goods and services.

However, a vegetable seller, Mallam Yahaya, said, “I am just trying to find happiness in my business since I don’t want to be idle. Making a profit in this business is now a herculean task.” Another petty trader, Hajiya Hassana, told journalists that the prices of foodstuffs were now determined by what wholesalers sell to retailers. “I know some buyers may blame us because they don’t know how we get these goods from the wholesalers; the challenge is transporting them to the market. It has not been like this before; things just changed automatically since the removal of the fuel subsidy,” she said. Nevertheless, Ms Hassana said she was trying to satisfy her customers and ensure she made some gains. (NAN)