National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Nigerians have continued to lament the economic hardship across the country following the high cost of foodstuffs and other commodities.
Many lamented that their income can no longer provide for their daily needs as the costs of commodities have tripled.
For instance, a bag of rice which was sold a few years ago between N15,000 and N20,000 is now sold for over N70,000 per bag.
This is as a result of the impact of government policies especially the removal of subsidy on petrol and the free fall of the naira in the foreign exchange market.
Food sellers and buyers who spoke with NATIONAL TELESCOPE in Lagos, Oyo and Kwara States lamented how the increase in prices has affected them.
A foodstuff seller, Mr Uche who spoke to our correspondent at Berger market, Lagos State, said a bag of rice is now between N75,000 and N78,000.
He said, “My brother, foodstuff prices are not stable. You can get a price now and by tomorrow it will be different. For example, last week, I sold a bag of rice for N70,000 but now I will give you for N78,000. We don’t know it may be N80,000 in a few days.”
When asked why the prices keep increasing, he said, “Are you not in Nigeria? The problem is transportation. The fare keeps going up because of fuel. And those we buy it from also have to increase, what do you expect?”
Findings by our correspondent at Bola Ige Market, Gbagi reveal that a rubber of garri which was sold for N250, now sells for N800, groundnut oil of N500 is now sold for N1400, palm oil of N500 now sells for N1200.
The present situation has continued to have adverse negative effects on many Nigerians.
A housewife and mother of four, Hajia Fatima Abu, who spoke with our correspondent at Oja Tuntun (Market), Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, said situation had worsen the standard of living for her family.
She said, “Things have become unbearable. How can you buy something today, and tomorrow the price has increased? I came to the market with N12,000 with the hope of buying foodstuffs and soup items for the week but I doubt if what I have gotten can last us more than three days.”
Also, a civil servant and mother of two, Mrs. Titilayo said, “It’s just too much. Where are they taking us in this country? Even items as small as Maggi have increased, yet salaries are not increasing. What we earn currently cannot measure up with our basic needs any longer.”
She, however, appealed to the government to address the situation to avoid a crisis.
“You cannot eat what you want but what you see. Government should find a way to resolve this before it becomes a problem.”
Also, an artisan and father of two, Bayonle Ife, called the Federal Government to take proactive measures to address the economic crisis.
He said the government must address the situation to avoid anarchy in the country.
“As you can see, I am in the market to purchase some items. It getting worse by the day. I think this issue is not something that we should take lightly. You know Nigerians, they are quiet now but don’t push them to the wall. We have to avoid situations that could lead to anarchy,” he added.
