Consumers panic over food prices

Residents of Kano State have continued to decry the rate at which prices of food commodities keep increasing in the country.

One of the residents, Malam Ibrahim Ahmed, said it is now very difficult for an average Nigerian family in the state to afford three square meals daily because only a few people can afford to buy the expensive food commodities.

He explained that with the current minimum wage of N30,000, a family of 3 can only feed for a week.

“It is so disturbing to note that a measure of garri is now N2,600 instead of N800 sold last week. Maize flour is now a little close to over N2,000, and this is something we used to buy N1,200. The most disturbing issue is that the prices kept increasing on a daily basis and no one seems to be saying or doing anything about it. I am afraid people will soon be facing serious hunger challenge,” he warns.

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Another resident Malam Shehu Baji said with the way the prices of food items are increasing, the life of an average Nigerian is in danger. According to him, food being a prerequisite item for survival is gradually going beyond the reach of the common man.

“Let’s tell ourselves the truth; the nation is heading towards a serious food crisis. We are indeed facing a serious challenge that needs rapid response from the authorities,” he said.

A visit to some markets within Kano State revealed that 100kg bag of maize which sold for N60,000 last week is now N70,000 and above; 100kg bag of locally milled rice is now N129,000 as against N106,000 sold weeks ago.

Similarly, a big basket of tomato which sold for less than N50,000 weeks ago is now N90,000 to N95,000, while a bag of dry pepper is now N109,000.