The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called on Nigerians to remain patient as the government takes steps to address the soaring food prices nationwide.
In an interactive session with traders at Dawanau and Galadima markets in Kano, Adamu Abdullahi, the FCCPC’s acting executive vice chairman, highlighted the administration’s commitment to resolving the issue. “The hike in food prices has been a major concern for the current administration under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and efforts are being made to improve the situation for Nigerians,” Abdullahi stated.
The primary purpose of the market visits was to engage with traders and understand the factors contributing to the persistent rise in food prices. “After our interactions with traders, we have gathered insights that will guide the commission in advising the Federal Government, in line with Section 17(b) of the FCCPC Act,” Abdullahi explained. “The commission’s concern is to tackle issues affecting consumers, particularly commodity prices, to ensure fair market practices.”
During the session, traders and consumers identified several factors driving up food prices. Abdullahi Kasarkabasu, chairman of yam sellers at Galadima market, pointed out that the high cost of diesel has significantly increased transportation expenses, impacting the prices of yams and other food items. He also noted that cattle rustling and general insecurity discourage farming, further exacerbating the situation.
Similarly, Abdulkadir Umar, chairman of the Rice Dealers Association at Dawanau market, reported that insecurity issues have raised the cost of procuring and processing paddy rice. “Paddy rice sourced from villages to rice mills now costs more due to insecurity, leading to higher prices and lower patronage,” Umar said. He emphasized the need for the government to boost investment in farming by providing sufficient fertilizers and other inputs and ensuring adequate security for farmers.
Consumers echoed the traders’ concerns, urging the government to take swift action to alleviate the burden of rising food prices. Justina Ogedo, a consumer, highlighted the drastic increase in the price of yams, which has forced many to reduce their daily meals. “A tuber of yam that once sold for between N500 and N800 now costs as much as N4,000. We now eat only twice daily due to this situation,” Ogedo lamented
Tunji Oyedotun, another consumer, called on the government to establish fixed prices for commodities to regulate food prices across the country. “Fixed prices would help control the cost of food items and make them more affordable for the average Nigerian,” he suggested.
