Crayfish traders in Lagos have linked the persistent rise in the price of the seafood to the high cost of fuel and supply challenges.
According to them, the situation is threatening profit margins and reducing patronage across major markets.
Traders in Asolo and Agric markets in Ikorodu, as well as Oyingbo Market, disclosed this in separate interviews with journalists on Sunday in Lagos.
Crayfish is a popular food item in Nigerian households.
The traders said the high cost of transportation, poor road infrastructure and unstable market conditions have all contributed to the surge in prices.
At Asolo Market in Ikorodu, Mrs. Peace Olufemi said the price of crayfish had increased sharply.
“The price of a paint bucket of crayfish rose from ₦7,000–₦8,000 in September to ₦11,000 in November,” she said. Olufemi added that prices may rise further during the festive and dry seasons due to worsening shortages.
Another trader, Mrs. Josephine Anyanwu, said the price of a paint bucket recently increased from ₦11,000 to ₦12,000 within a week.
“A big nylon of crayfish is now very costly, and I can’t afford to buy as much as before. Prices may rise to ₦15,000 per paint in December,” she said.
A major dealer at the same market, Mrs. Omolara Ajibola, said the price of a bag of “big nylon” crayfish now ranges between ₦40,000 and ₦42,000, with a profit margin of about ₦10,000 per sale.
“Some days I sell, and some days I don’t. Sales have really reduced,” she said.
Similarly, Mrs. Nkechi Okafor said 10 paint buckets of crayfish sold for ₦100,000 in August, ₦130,000 in September and now cost ₦160,000.
She said she was uncertain about the market outlook but predicted that prices would remain high into next year.
Mr. Okechukwu Miracle, a bulk crayfish supplier who sources from Osun State, confirmed the market instability. He explained that each bag contains six portions, sold at ₦120,000 each.
At Oyingbo Market, a trader known as Ija BJ attributed the price hike to the off-season and rising fuel costs. She said a big basket of crayfish containing 34 paint buckets, which sold for ₦180,000 in August, now sells for between ₦250,000 and ₦280,000 depending on negotiations.
An engineer at the Oyingbo Market, Mr. Michael Popoola, noted that fuel prices significantly affect fishing operations.
“Fishing machines consume more fuel than vehicles, which increases production costs,” he said.
He added that the high cost of transporting goods from other states also drives up market prices.
A retailer known as Mummy Blessing said a custard-size paint bucket of crayfish now sells for ₦11,000 and may reach ₦20,000 by December based on previous trends.
At Lawanson Market in Surulere, a consumer, Mrs. Funke Adesina, said traders and buyers should already be familiar with the usual price fluctuations.
“Crayfish is one seafood I can’t cook without, so I make sure to buy in bulk before the price rises,” she said.
She added that a trader she patronizes recently told her that traveling to restock has become risky.
“Many traders are now afraid to go out and restock because the roads are unsafe,” she said.
