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Food prices Nigeria surge: Fuel hike linked to Middle East crisis drives sharp increases across markets.
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FCT market prices spike: Tomatoes, onions, yam, beans record massive jumps in Abuja markets.
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Citizens demand FG intervention: Nigerians urge Federal Government of Nigeria to curb inflation, stabilise economy.
Prices of food items, goods, and services have risen sharply across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as Nigerians grapple with the ripple effects of the Middle East crisis on fuel costs.
A survey by the newsmen showed that the increase in pump prices of petroleum products has triggered a surge in transportation and production costs, pushing up market prices.
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At Orange Market along the Abuja-Keffi road, traders said a big basket of tomatoes, which sold for between N9,000 and N10,000 in February, now goes for between N30,000 and N35,000.
Similarly, a bag of onions previously sold for between N15,000 and N25,000 now costs as much as N45,000, while smaller measures have also doubled in price.
At Lugbe, Orozo, Karu, Wuse, and Nyanya markets, prices of yam, beans, pepper, and sweet potatoes recorded significant increases, with traders blaming rising transport fares and fuel costs.
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Business owners also lamented the impact of poor electricity supply, saying reliance on diesel-powered generators has further driven up production costs.
A sachet water distributor, Mr Simon Adolo, said, “We rely more on diesel; we spend a lot of money to buy diesel and we burn it just to produce the water… what we make as profit for now is very small.”
An ice-block seller, Mrs Esther Gabriel, added, “I buy diesel and fuel just to power my generators because we rarely get five hours of light on a daily basis. This is ripping me off and stifling my business.”
Residents also expressed frustration over the rising cost of living.
A mother, Mrs Rosemary Akor, said, “I was surprised today when I took them to the same saloon for a haircut and I was charged N3,000. This is outrageous… Something needs to be done and fast.”
Another resident, Ms Ifeoma Atuegwu, said her standard of living was declining daily, urging authorities to address transportation and production costs.
Citizens and traders have therefore called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently intervene by addressing fuel prices, electricity challenges, and other key factors driving inflation.