Rédaction Africa Links 24 with News Desk
Published on 2024-03-04 11:21:08
The prices of essential food items such as cassava flakes (garri) and rice have increased by more than 50 per cent in Enugu metropolis, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria. A market survey conducted by NAN Correspondent revealed the significant price hike in these foodstuffs in the area.
The survey indicated that the price of a cup of garri, which was previously N120 in January, has now risen to N150. Additionally, a 5-litre paint tin of garri is now being sold for prices ranging between N2,200 and N2,700. The cost of a bag of garri has also surged from N18,500 in January to N29,000 currently.
In Garki Market, Enugu, the price of a 50-kilogram bag of foreign rice has skyrocketed from N55,000-N60,000 to N78,000-N80,000, depending on the brand. The rise in prices has caused concerns among both sellers and buyers in the market.
Mrs. Bridget Ugwu, a garri seller at New Market, emphasized the need to secure farmlands and halt the exportation of garri to other countries to mitigate the high cost of the product. She attributed the scarcity of garri in the country to its exportation.
Similarly, a rice seller, Mr. Ochuba Ozor, at Mayor Market, expressed his concerns about the escalating cost of rice in the country. He urged the government to address food insecurity promptly to prevent prices from continuing to rise. Ozor noted a decrease in the number of buyers in his shop due to the inflated prices of essential food items.
One buyer, who preferred to remain anonymous, linked the high cost of living in the country to the removal of subsidies on petroleum products. This added financial strain on households, leading to difficulties in affording basic necessities.
The current economic situation has significantly impacted the prices of food items in Enugu metropolis, making it challenging for residents to afford essential commodities. The escalating cost of garri and rice has sparked concerns among vendors and buyers alike, highlighting the need for government intervention to stabilize prices and ensure food security for the populace.
Read the original article on DailyNigerian.com
