Nigerians are increasingly worried about the ongoing rise in food prices, especially with the holiday season approaching. Residents in Abuja shared their frustrations with the News Agency of Nigeria, stating that many food items have become unaffordable for the average citizen.
Some believe that buying food in advance could help families manage during the holidays, while others lament their lack of financial resources to do so. Mr. Adamu Bello, a public servant from Bwari, expressed concern about the situation in local communities, where three meals a day are becoming a luxury.
“It’s getting worse daily; people struggle to afford three meals, even as they try to make do with what they can buy. Only those with enough funds can stock up on food, but many face high bills,” he said, urging government intervention to address the rising costs.
Mrs. Esther Awoniyi, a businesswoman, noted that prices for staples like rice and cooking oil have soared beyond the salaries of many workers, making bulk purchases difficult. She recalled a time when families would stock up on food in September and October for Christmas, but now, with the tough economic climate, people are struggling to make ends meet.
“Food is a major concern; we will always find ways to celebrate, but we may not be able to buy as much as we used to,” she said.
Dr. Anu David highlighted that the price of rice has surpassed the minimum wage, affecting household eating habits and potentially disrupting the nutritional balance for children. She encouraged those who can to buy and store food while prices remain somewhat manageable.
Mr. David Zhwahu shared that he had already bought and stored food ahead of the holidays, but at a significant cost. “I paid about N86,000 for a bag of rice, and now it’s nearly N100,000. Not everyone can afford to stock up, and many face other financial pressures,” he explained, hoping that prices might drop by December due to the harvest.
Peoplesmind
