Some Lagos State residents have reported that prices of most foodstuffs have remained stable during the ongoing Ramadan, with the notable exception of beans.
The residents shared their observations in separate interviews with reporters on Sunday in Lagos.
Several noted that, unlike previous Ramadan periods when food prices typically surged, this year has been markedly different.
Mr Samuel Nwabueze, a foodstuff trader at Iyana-Ipaja market, said prices have been largely stable apart from a sudden increase in the cost of beans and certain northern produce.
“Apart from beans and other items sourced from the North, foodstuff prices have remained considerably stable,” he said.
“Staples like rice, garri, onions, and corn are still within the same price ranges seen since the beginning of the year.
“There has been roughly a 10 per cent increase in the price of beans since Ramadan began.
“Last month, a 50kg bag of beans cost N60,000, but the same quantity now sells for between N70,000 and N75,000.
“The price of dried pepper from the North has also risen—from N100,000 per bag last month to N120,000 now.
“Similarly, a bag of egusi, which used to sell for N250,000, now goes for N300,000.
“We observed that these hikes started when Ramadan began. We believe prices will drop after the period ends,” Nwabueze added.
Mrs Miracle Akuoma, a resident of the Alimosho area, expressed satisfaction with the stability of food prices this season and urged the government to sustain the trend.
“This is one of the cheapest Ramadan periods we’ve experienced in recent years. Even fruits and vegetables, which are usually expensive at this time, are very affordable.
“I don’t know exactly what the government is doing to keep prices stable, but they should continue because it benefits the masses.
“The price of corn has even dropped—I bought a paint bucket for N1,200, compared to N2,000 or N2,500 in previous periods.
“Overall, food prices are quite fair this Ramadan,” Akuoma said.
Mrs Cornelia Eshomameh, a resident of the Ketu/Alapere area, said that apart from slight increases in tomatoes, peppers, and beans, other food prices have remained stable.
“Compared to last month when Ramadan and the Lenten period began, there have been no major differences in food prices from previous years.
“The prices of rice and beans are the same as last month.
“The only noticeable change is a slight hike in tomatoes and pepper, but nothing excessive.
“Last month, I bought three paint buckets of tomatoes for N5,000, but yesterday I could only get two for N6,000.
“That was the main difference. Everything else I bought remained stable. I even got a basket of onions for N5,000, which is a very fair price,” Eshomameh said.
Mrs Tope Babalola, a resident of the Dopemu area, said the most significant increase has been in beans.
“For now, beans are the main item seeing a price rise, though I’m not sure if it’s directly due to Ramadan.
“Last month, I bought a paint bucket of beans for N3,500, but now the same quantity costs N5,500.
“Tomato prices remain fair compared to last year’s Ramadan—a basket still sells for N18,000, which is reasonable for this period.
“Garri prices have also stayed stable. We hope this continues,” Babalola said.
However, agriculture expert and farmer Mr Akin Alabi attributed the overall stability and reduced food inflation to the federal government’s decision to open the borders for food imports.
“This stability and drop in food inflation can be linked to the import window opened by the federal government.
“Initially granted for six months, the extension of border opening for food imports has helped bring prices down.
“That explains why food prices have remained relatively stable even during Ramadan.
“We hope this stability continues,” Alabi said.
