By Abdulrahman Ibrahim
Traders at Abdulkadir Abdullahi Kure Market in Minna, Niger state are feeling the sting of the current economic climate, with many sharing their concerns about the rising cost of goods and declining consumer purchasing power.
Several sellers voiced their struggles, citing the impact of subsidy removal and increased transportation costs, as well as appealing to the government for support to alleviate the challenges they face.
A rice seller at the market, Hauwa Mohammed described a sharp decline in sales since the subsidy was removed. “Things are not like they used to be,” she said.
“Before, I could sell five bags of rice in a day. Now, I’m lucky if I sell even three because people just don’t have the money to buy anymore.”
Mohammed urged the government to consider reinstating the subsidy, suggesting that it would lower prices at the village level, allowing them to offer more affordable rates to consumers.
A vendor of groundnut and palm oil, Mallam Ibrahim echoed Mohammed’s sentiments.
“I used to buy a drum of oil for 400,000 Naira, but now it’s 650,000 Naira,” he explained. “In the past, I could sell three drums a day, but now it takes me three to four days just to sell one.”
He also appealed to the government, asking them to ease the burden on the masses.
“People are really suffering,” Ibrahim added, urging leaders to prioritize the needs of everyday Nigerians.
Transportation costs have also surged, making it even harder for traders to bring goods from rural areas. Bashir Salisu, another seller, shared his struggles with the added expenses.
“We’re facing challenges with the high cost of transportation to get our foodstuffs from the villages,” he lamented. Salisu also highlighted security concerns, explaining that traders often fear for their safety while travelling to source goods.
“We need the government to improve security so that we can travel to the villages without fear of being attacked,” he urged.
The traders’ appeals reflect the larger struggle of Nigerian citizens grappling with inflation, high transportation costs, and security challenges in a shifting economic landscape.
Statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed a hike in Nigeria’s inflation rate to 32.7% in September 2024, due to factors ranging from a hike in transportation prices, as well as the depreciation of the naira.
As prices continue to rise, they worry that both businesses and consumers will suffer unless immediate action is taken.
Their voices echo a call for support, as they hope for policies that can provide relief in these difficult times.
