The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called on Nigerians to remain patient amid rising food prices across the nation.
During an interactive session with traders at Dawanau and Galadima markets in Kano, FCCPC’s acting Executive Vice Chairman, Adamu Abdullahi, stated that the government is actively addressing the issue.
Abdullahi explained that the market visits aimed to engage with traders and identify factors contributing to the continuous rise in food prices. “The hike in food prices has been a major worry for the current administration under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The government is making efforts to ensure things get better for Nigerians,” Abdullahi said.
He added that insights from these interactions will help the commission advise the Federal Government, in accordance with Section 17(b) of the FCCPC Act. “The commission’s concern is to tackle issues affecting consumers, especially prices of commodities, to ensure fair market practices,” he added.
Market union leaders and consumers attributed the rising food prices to transportation costs and insecurity.
Abdullahi Kasarkabasu, chairman of yam sellers in the Galadima market, noted that high diesel costs have increased transportation expenses, affecting the prices of yams and other food items. He also cited the impact of cattle rustling and general insecurity, which discourage farming.
Abdulkadir Umar, Chairman of the Rice Dealers Association in Dawanau market, highlighted that paddy rice sourced from villages to rice mills now costs more due to insecurity issues. The increased costs of procuring and processing rice have led to low patronage, with a ‘mudu’ (measurement plate) of rice now costing between N3,900 and N4,200. He urged the government to increase investment in farming by providing sufficient fertilizer and other inputs and ensuring adequate security for farmers.
Consumer Justina Ogedo appealed to the government to act swiftly to save Nigerians from hunger. “Most consumers can no longer afford a tuber of yam due to the high price. Before now, a tuber of yam was sold for between N500 and N800, but now, it is as high as N4,000. Because of the situation, we now eat twice daily,” she said.
