Residents of Zamfara protest the growing cost of food.
Comment
The people of Zamfara State have expressed deep concern regarding the alarming surge in the prices of essential food items.
Our investigation, spanning various prominent markets in the State’s capital, Gusau, has revealed a staggering increase of over 100 percent in the cost of vital food commodities within the past month.
This surge can be attributed to multiple factors, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the exacerbating impact of banditry. Farmers are facing considerable difficulties in accessing their farmlands, thereby giving rise to a prevailing sense of food insecurity within the State.
In an interview with our correspondent, Suleiman Abubakar, a dealer in foodstuffs at Gusau Central market, shed light on the exacerbation of the key food items’ prices due to the recent subsidy removal.
“For instance, the price of a 100 kg bag of maize has surged dramatically from approximately N26,000 in May and June 2023 to a range of N55,000 – N57,000. Similarly, a bag of guinea corn that was initially priced at N21,000 has experienced a substantial increase to N54,000. The cost of millet has also surged from its usual N20,000 to N45,000.
Furthermore, foreign rice has seen a considerable price hike from N27,000 in May 2023 to N40,000, whereas locally-produced rice has surged from N1,200 per kilo to N2,000,” he explained.
Upon investigation, it has come to light that the cost of chicken has risen from N800 per kilogram to N1300, and a crate of eggs, which was formerly sold at N1000, now ranges between N2000 – N2100.
According to Alhaji Bala Usman, an economic expert, the prevailing inflation has resulted in many individuals consuming what is available to them rather than their preferred choices.
“In light of the current inflation, a significant portion of the population is compelled to consume whatever is accessible, rather than what they truly desire,” he remarked.
Do you find NaijaBunch useful? Click here to give us five stars rating!