Some Enugu residents have expressed concern over the rising costs of various types of fish in the state.
Reporters who monitored major markets in the state capital on Saturday observed that prices of popular species such as Scumbia, Mackerel (Titus), and Croaker have increased significantly.
At Ogbete Market, Titus and Scumbia now sell for between ₦4,500 and ₦6,000 per fish, depending on size and freshness, while horse mackerel goes for ₦5,000 to ₦7,500.
In New Haven and Artisan Markets, a kilogram of ice fish sells for between ₦8,000 and ₦12,000, depending on type. Croaker, snapper, and barracuda now sell between ₦10,000 and ₦14,000, depending on size and source.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ugwu, a frozen fish trader at Ogbete Market, said the cost of iced fish had been fluctuating since 2025 due to high transportation and importation costs. Most of her fish come from Lagos or Port Harcourt cold rooms, and the cost of transportation has doubled due to rising fuel prices.
She lamented that sometimes the ice melts before the fish even reaches Enugu.
“Before now, I used to buy a carton of Titus at ₦45,000, but now it is ₦85,000 to ₦90,000, depending on the source. Customers still buy, but not as before—some now buy half a kilo instead of a full kilo or a single fish,” she said.
Another fish dealer at Kenyatta Market, Mrs. Eucharia Ochie, blamed the high prices on importation challenges and inadequate cold room facilities.
“Most of these frozen fish are imported from China and other parts of the country. Cold room operators also spend heavily on diesel to preserve the fish before it reaches us. All these costs are passed to the final consumer,” Ochie said.
At Mayor Market, Mrs. Ngozi Ozor, a civil servant, expressed frustration at the rapid price increases.
“Last year, I used to buy Titus for ₦2,800. Now it’s ₦7,000. It’s more expensive than beef and even chicken. Frozen fish used to be the cheaper option for families, but not anymore,” she said.
Mrs. Chinwe Alekeozor, a consumer, called for government intervention to ease the burden on small traders.
“If the government can help reduce transport costs or give cold-room operators access to cheaper power, it will benefit everyone, both traders and customers,” she said.
