As Christmas approaches, Lagos residents are grappling with a steep increase in the prices of food items and cooking gas, leaving many unable to celebrate with their families.
A visit to Ile Epo and Mile 12 markets revealed that prices of essentials such as rice, beans, yams, and garri have risen drastically, some quadrupling in 2024 alone. At Mile 12 Market, a 50kg bag of foreign rice now costs between ₦90,000 and ₦100,000, up from ₦80,000. Yams, previously ₦5,000 per tuber, now sell for ₦7,000, while a set of five goes for ₦28,000.
A measure of beans, formerly ₦1,000, is now priced between ₦2,000 and ₦2,500, and garri has increased from ₦1,300 to ₦1,500. Cartons of Indomie noodles, once sold for ₦7,500, now go for ₦7,700, while Irish potatoes are up from ₦5,000 to ₦6,000 per basket.
Traders attribute these price hikes to higher wholesale costs, rising transportation fees, and inflation. “The cost of bringing goods to Lagos has skyrocketed, so we’re forced to increase prices,” said Monday Zango, a food vendor.
Residents expressed frustration at the worsening economic conditions. Suleiman Adamu, a local shopper, lamented, “Until we have leaders willing to tackle these challenges head-on, the situation will remain dire. Nigerians are suffering, and celebrations are becoming meaningless.”
The combined effects of insecurity, fuel price hikes, and economic hardship have left many families unable to afford even basic necessities, casting a shadow over this festive season.
