Kano, Nigeria — The aftermath of the EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests has seen a significant rise in food prices, intensifying the financial strain on Nigerian families and small traders.
This surge in food costs follows the relaxation of curfew measures and the reopening of markets, which were previously closed due to the unrest that turned violent.
The protests, which began as a response to soaring living costs and what many citizens described as poor governance, have left a lingering economic impact.
As markets gradually resume normal operations, the prices of staple food items have skyrocketed, exacerbating the financial difficulties faced by many Nigerians.
Market Chaos and Rising Prices
In Kano, the situation is particularly dire. Small traders and families are grappling with steep increases in food prices, which have surged since the market reopened.
Musa Ibrahim, a shop owner in the Kan Karofi area, expressed frustration over the sharp increase in prices.
“Before the market closure, we used to buy a stock of noodles for 16,000 naira,” Ibrahim explained. “Now, the same stock costs almost 18,000 naira. There’s nothing we can do about it.”
The cost of flour has also seen a dramatic increase. “We used to sell a mudu of flour for 3,200 naira, but now it’s reached 4,000 naira,” Ibrahim continued.
“Previously, a customer could purchase a full mudu, but now only one-third of that quantity is affordable.”
Many families are feeling the pinch as food prices continue to rise. One father of six, residing in Kano, noted the impact on his household budget.
“Before the protests, we bought semovita for 13,000 naira, but now it’s jumped to 17,500 naira,” he lamented. With such increases, he now buys only what is necessary for daily consumption, as bulk purchases have become unaffordable.
Bread Sellers’ Struggle
Bread sellers in Kano are also struggling with the rising cost of flour, a key ingredient in their products. Alhaji Jibril Abubakar Hamza, head of the bread sellers’ association, reported a substantial increase in flour prices.
“Before the protests, we bought a bag of flour for between 63,000 and 65,000 naira,” Hamza said. “Now, it costs between 85,000 and 90,000 naira.”
Due to the exorbitant costs, Hamza has instructed members to halt operations if they run out of affordable flour. “We do not want to make life harder for the ordinary people who depend on bread,” he added.
Southwest’s Struggles with Food Supply
The situation in the Southwest is similarly concerning. The disruption in markets during the protests led to a scarcity of food items and a rise in prices.
Many buyers were unable to access their usual food sources, leading to increased prices at smaller shops.
Madam Roseline Ahmed, a market vendor in Lagos, highlighted the difficulties she faced. “My market has been slow because I couldn’t buy enough goods for my customers, and many of them are staying away,” Ahmed said.
“The garri I intended to buy went unsold because the entire area was closed off during the protests.”
Similarly, a fish seller reported an increase in the price of Titus fish from 6,500 naira per kilo to 7,000 naira. “What we buy in the market has changed drastically, and this situation is a result of the unrest,” she said.
Understanding the Price Surge
The increase in food prices can be partly attributed to the disruptions caused by the protests. Alhaji Sabiu Bako, head of the traders’ association in Kano, explained that the curfew and market closures led to a temporary shortage of goods.
“During the curfew, some traders took advantage of the situation by raising prices to make a profit,” Bako said. “We are aware of the problem and are working to address it.”
To mitigate the impact on consumers, traders’ associations have set up committees to monitor market practices and ensure fair pricing. “We are working hard to bring prices down and restore normalcy,” Bako assured.
The Cost of Healthy Diet
The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently reported a significant increase in the Cost of Healthy Diet (CoHD) for June 2024. The cost has risen by 19.2% from the previous month, highlighting the growing financial burden on Nigerian households.
According to the NBS, the CoHD is the minimum cost required to maintain a healthy diet based on local food availability and international dietary guidelines.
The increase in CoHD is outpacing general inflation, making it increasingly difficult for Nigerians to afford nutritious food.
For example, in May 2024, a healthy diet cost 1,041 naira per day. By June, this cost had risen to 1,241 naira, reflecting a substantial financial strain on families trying to meet basic nutritional needs.
Conclusion
The aftermath of the EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests has left a lasting impact on the Nigerian economy, particularly in terms of food prices.
As markets reopen and traders adjust to the new economic reality, the rising cost of living continues to challenge many Nigerians.
The government’s response, including efforts to stabilize prices and monitor market practices, will be crucial in alleviating the economic burden on the country’s citizens.
