Easter shopping slows in Lagos as food prices surge

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The usual Easter shopping rush across major markets in Lagos has slowed significantly, as rising food prices force many residents to cut back on purchases, a survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) revealed.

The survey, conducted on Friday and Saturday, covered key markets including Mile 12, Oyingbo and markets along the Lekki-Epe corridor.

Findings showed sharp increases in the prices of perishable cooking ingredients over the past two weeks, widening the gap between the recent Eid-el-Fitr celebration and the Easter season.

A bag of scotch bonnet pepper, popularly known as atarodo, now sells for N105,000, up from N85,000 during the Eid-el-Fitr period.

Similarly, a 25kg bag of bell peppers (tatashe) has doubled to N70,000 from N35,000, while chilli peppers (shombo/bawa) have risen to N60,000 from N35,000.

Prices of other staples have also climbed, with a 100kg bag of onions now costing N84,000 compared to N71,000 two weeks ago. A 50kg basket of tomatoes currently sells for N40,000, up from N30,000 within the same period.

Mr Femi Odusanya, spokesperson for Mile 12 Market, attributed the persistent price increases to rising transportation and logistics costs, largely driven by the high cost of fuel, including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel.

He noted that disruptions in the global energy market, worsened by tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, have continued to push up fuel prices, with a ripple effect on food distribution and the overall cost of living.

Odusanya urged the federal government to provide palliatives to help Nigerians cope with the rising cost of food amid the geopolitical tensions.

Also speaking, a foodstuff trader at Mile 12 Market, Mrs Bose Adeyemi, said the situation had significantly weakened consumers’ purchasing power.

According to her, many buyers now purchase smaller quantities based on what they can afford at a time.

“Some just come to check prices and leave because costs have risen sharply within a short period,” she said.

At Oyingbo Market, another trader, Mr Imran Hassan, said price volatility had made it difficult for traders to plan effectively.

He added that the cost of transporting goods from northern Nigeria had increased considerably, forcing traders to pass on the additional costs to consumers.

A buyer, Mr Emeka Okafor, said he had adjusted his Easter plans due to the rising prices.

He noted that while his family typically celebrates with abundant food, they would scale down this year in line with prevailing economic realities.

Many other consumers called for urgent government intervention to stabilise fuel prices and address supply chain challenges, warning that continued increases could further dampen spending during festive periods.

They stressed the need for measures to cushion the impact on households and ensure food affordability. (NAN)