Skyrocketing Costs Mar Eid-el-Kabir Celebrations: Ram Prices Near N1m

As Eid-el-Kabir approaches, Nigerians are feeling the pinch of escalating food prices, with the cost of a single ram approaching N1 million. Basic food items have become prohibitively expensive, significantly dampening the festive spirit for many.

A survey of major markets in Lagos and Ogun states revealed widespread struggles among residents trying to afford essential items for the celebrations. Staples such as rice, beans, eggs, and fresh produce have seen steep price increases, making them inaccessible for many ordinary citizens.

At the Iyana-Iba, Agbara, and Oyingbo markets, vendors report poor sales and customers express feelings of helplessness. A crate of eggs has risen from N2,600 to N4,800, and the cost of tomatoes and pepper has soared, with a few scotch bonnet peppers now costing N200. Long grain rice, once sold for N52,000 per bag in December, now costs almost N90,000.

Mrs. Lawal, a trader transporting goods from Seme, still offers slightly lower prices, with a bag of rice at N73,000 and a 5kg keg of groundnut oil at N8,200. However, these marginal savings do little to alleviate the financial burden on consumers.

Shoppers like Yemisi Aina and Oladoyin Samuel shared their frustrations, noting that the cost of food has far outpaced their household budgets. Aina, after spending N30,000 at Agbara market, lamented that it barely covered the essentials. Samuel expressed fear and frustration over the unpredictable price hikes, making market visits a daunting experience.

Traders, too, are feeling the strain. Tamari, who sells tomatoes and peppers at Iyanoba Market, described the challenges of maintaining stock amid rising costs and transportation fees. Frozen food vendors, like Mrs. Anges Chikodi, highlighted the compounded difficulties of high prices and fuel costs for refrigeration.

The ram market is particularly affected, with prices ranging from N300,000 to N900,000, making it affordable only for the super-rich. Alhaji Musa Sabon Burni, a ram seller, noted that sales have plummeted due to the exorbitant prices driven by transportation costs, insecurity in the North, and poor road conditions.

Sani Usaman, a veteran in the business, described the situation as dire, with prices tripling compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, Hafiz Remilekun, another seller, emphasized the cost disparities based on size and location, noting that transportation from places like Ado adds significantly to the price.

With transportation costs soaring, fewer people are traveling for the celebrations. Fares to major destinations like Ilorin, Ibadan, and northern states have more than doubled, prompting many to send gifts rather than visit family.

In summary, the steep rise in prices has cast a shadow over this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, leaving both buyers and sellers struggling to navigate the economic challenges.