By Abdulrahman Abdullahi
Residents of Abuja have voiced out their anger against the hike in the price of food commodities in the market recently.
A survey conducted by NatureNews revealed that almost all food items have been hiked.
According to the survey, a bag of garri which used to be sold at the rate of N18,000 is now hiked up to N22,000. Similarly, mudu of beans which was sold at N600 is now sold at N900.
Other food items, like rice sold at N28,000 is currently sold at N33,000.
A garri marketer, Rachel Ismaila, who spoke to NatureNews revealed that commodities increases daily and it is only right for them to sell according to what they bought.
“Anytime we go to buy this garri in bulk from our seller, the cost increase, those who we buy from complain that transportation of their goods keep increasing as well. So we have no option rather than to sell at what we bought.” Rachel said.
Meanwhile, buyers as well expressed their dissatisfaction over the increase in the cost of those commodities.
Hajia Amina Isah, told NatureNews that the rapid increase in the price of food items is becoming alarming and need urgent intervention from the government.
“The government have to look down, we are being pushed to the wall now. How can a tin-cup of garri which used to be sold at N20 is now N60? Somebody who averagely purchase 3 cups before will only be able to afford one cup now, which is very bad.” She said
Another resident, John Sam, lamented on the exorbitant price of food items, saying it is unacceptable.
“My fear is that, in Nigeria once a price of a particular commodity goes up, it can hardly come down. People are dying of hunger as a result of frequent increase in the cost of those commodities.
“I plead with the government to ensure they look into these and ensure that the prices of food items are also been regulated.” Sam said.