By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Despite a recent drop in fuel prices, residents in parts of Kaduna metropolis continue to face severe daily price hikes in food commodities, a community market survey has revealed.
The survey, conducted by our correspondent in select neighborhoods, uncovered alarming price increases—particularly in basic cooking ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, and peppers. In many areas, five small pieces of partially spoiled fresh tomatoes and peppers now sell for as much as N500.
Residents, especially women in the U/Boro community of Sabon Tasha and its environs, described the situation as widespread and worsening. “It’s not just here; it’s the same everywhere,” said one woman who spoke anonymously.
Though prices of staples like rice, maize, and gari have slightly decreased, residents say the difference is negligible—often between N300 to N500.
Some sales attendants confirmed that key soup ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and peppers—typically cheaper during the rainy season—remain expensive. This suggests that the coming dry season may bring even greater hardship for low-income Nigerians.
Efforts to speak with market leaders or shop owners for clarification on the price disparities across different areas were unsuccessful.
Some residents, speaking anonymously, expressed despair and turned to faith as their only hope. “Only God can help us. Our leaders don’t care if we eat or not,” one resident said. “Even if you work hard, you can’t afford three square meals anymore. We just pray for God to keep providing.”
Others cited insecurity as a contributing factor, saying that fear of kidnappers has kept them from farming their crops. “We can’t go far into the forest to farm anymore. Only God is our strength. We’re going through hell,” they lamented.
