Some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) say the sharp increase in food prices has worsened their living conditions.
The residents made this known in interviews with reporters on Sunday in Abuja.
A survey conducted by reporters across several FCT markets, including Dei-Dei, Kubwa, and Dutse, revealed significant increases in the prices of essential food items.
Findings from the survey showed that many households are adjusting their consumption patterns, as rising costs have made it difficult to maintain three meals a day.
Residents said the situation has forced them to reduce food portions and switch to cheaper alternatives.
Traders also reported a decline in sales, blaming it on customers’ reduced purchasing power.
A vegetable vendor at Dei-Dei Market, Malam Adamu Isah, said traders were facing serious challenges due to the sharp rise in food prices and declining patronage.
“Previously, a big basket of tomatoes sold for between N18,000 and N25,000, but it now sells for between N45,000 and N48,000.
“A bag of pepper, which used to cost between N70,000 and N85,000, now sells for between N80,000 and N96,000.”
Adamu, however, decried the loss of income due to spoilage, describing it as a compounding challenge.
“Sometimes, up to a quarter or half of a basket of tomatoes gets damaged before sale, leading to huge financial losses,” he said.
He attributed the situation to the increase in fuel prices, which delays the transportation of produce to markets.
“Transportation is crucial in this business. We buy these products from the farms, but we often face challenges transporting them to the market.
“We appeal to the government to address the issue of fuel prices, as it is greatly affecting our businesses and livelihoods,” he said.
Another trader in Kubwa Market, Mrs Peace David, also lamented low sales due to the current economic situation.
“Before, I sold a small paint rubber of tomatoes for between N1,500 and N1,800, but now it sells for between N4,000 and N4,500.
“A small basket of pepper now costs N10,000 — almost double its former price of N5,500 to N6,000.”
A grains seller at Dutse Market, Malam Ahmad, said traders were struggling to keep their businesses afloat.
“We are just managing because we don’t want to be stranded, but the constant fluctuation in prices is discouraging.
“One cannot even plan for tomorrow because you cannot predict what the price of goods will be in the next minute,” he said.
According to him, a 50kg bag of rice now sells for between N52,000 and N55,000, up from N46,000 to N48,000 two months ago.
He added that a 50kg bag of beans now costs between N80,000 and N82,000, up from N69,000 to N72,000, while a paint bucket of garri sells for between N2,000 and N2,500, compared to N1,200–N1,500 previously.
Mr Rabi’u Haruna, a sugar vendor in Dutse Market, said rising transportation costs had eroded profit margins.
“I now buy sugar at N65,000 instead of N60,000. Sometimes, even when we sell, we make no profit because of transportation costs.”
A resident, Mr Paul Ugo, said the persistent price increases were affecting both buyers and sellers.
“Before, I used to buy in bulk, but now I can only afford small quantities.”
Mrs Safiya Muhammad, another resident, expressed concern over the impact on her household.
“Feeding my family has become very difficult. I now cook less and focus on cheaper food items just to manage.”
Muhammad called on the government to take urgent steps to stabilise prices and ease the burden on citizens.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that Nigeria’s headline food inflation rate stood at 14.31 per cent year-on-year in March 2026, indicating sustained pressure on food prices.
The survey highlights the growing financial strain on both traders and consumers, as incomes remain largely unchanged while food costs continue to rise.
