Rising Food Prices Cast Shadow over Ramadan Observance in Nigeria: Prime Time News Investigation Reveals Economic Hardship
By Shamsiya Shitu Yahaya, Ibrahim Kasimu Dadi, Sadiat Omotanwa Ajayi and Galadima Zulkifilu Usamatu
Ramadan, a month-long period of fasting observed by Muslims globally, carries profound religious significance. However, in Nigeria, Muslims find themselves grappling with economic challenges as they observe this holy month.
PRIME TIME NEWS correspondent Shamsiya Shitu Yahaya conducted an investigative survey on food prices in Kano State metropolis, uncovering a significant surge in costs. The prices of essential food items have risen by an alarming 18% to 20%.
The survey revealed startling increases in the prices of various food staples. For instance, the cost of a 25-litre gallon of vegetable oil surged from N43,300 to N48,200, while palm oil escalated from N27,000 to N32,500. White beans and soya beans witnessed similar spikes, with prices soaring from N87,500 to N100,000 and from N54,000 to N60,000, respectively.
Locally produced rice now commands prices ranging from N62,000 to N64,000 per 50kg bag, whereas imported rice from Thailand is being sold for N70,000 to N71,000 per bag. Eggs, once priced at N3200 per crate, have skyrocketed to N3800 per crate.
Speaking with a shop owner, it was revealed that prices of macaroni, spaghetti, couscous, and noodles have surged significantly, making them less accessible to consumers. Similarly, the cost of Irish potatoes and yams has seen a notable increase.
Moreover, commodities like sugar and flour have experienced substantial price hikes, with sugar bags now ranging from N79,000 to N80,000, and flour selling for N50,000 per bag. Additionally, the prices of iced fish and frozen chicken have surged in cold rooms across Kano State.
Traders attribute these price hikes to the removal of fuel subsidies and the fluctuation of the Naira by the federal government of Nigeria.
CITIZENS REACT
PRIME TIME NEWS Correspondent from Nasarawa State, Ibrahim Kasimu Dadi during an interview with residents to assess how they are coping with the demands of fasting amidst economic hardships gathered from one Abdullahi Alhasan Makeri from Shabu, laments that breaking the fast is no longer a child’s play, according to him the fasting last year was observed without challenges because he bought food items at a low price but this year, consumables are very cost adding that “seriously this year’s fasting is very different and tough.”
On her part, Amatumuizzu Abdullahi comparing last year’s fasting to Prime Time News, disclosed she is very mindful and using what she has at hand efficiently despite the changes.
Abdullahi laments that she needs to be careful with the expenses of food items while breaking her fast with date and water as usual. However, she has to provide affordable options for sahur and iftar. “I do plan in order to observe the suhur” Amatumuizzu noted.
Tameem Khalid Kinkilo, another resident said that the way he broke the fast and observe suhur last year was incomparable with this year. According to him “that of last year was a bit in abundance since the purchasing power and the price was not too high.”
RISE IN BEGGARS
On the alarming rise of beggars, our Correspondent, Sadiat Omotanwa Ajayi gathered from one Mubarak Adejumoh, a dedicated philanthropist and member of MSSN Bayero University, Kano expressed his concerns. noting with dismay the noticeable increase in the number of beggars compared to the previous year.
He attributed this trend to the harsh economic conditions and increase in insecurity that have plunged many families into poverty, forcing them to seek help on the streets.
Mubarak highlighted the plight of families struggling to provide for their loved ones, resulting in children being pushed onto the streets in search of survival.
Mummy Khalifah, a compassionate businesswoman in Coke Village Buk, echoed Mubarak’s observations. She emphasized how the combination of the pandemic and economic challenges has pushed numerous families to the brink of desperation, compelling them to resort to begging for survival.
POLITICIANS’ INTERVENTION
In response to the economic hardship, politicians like Hon. Habibu Abdullahi (KILU) in Plateau State have rolled out programs to support constituents during Ramadan.
Distributing food items to over 150 beneficiaries, Hon. Kilu said the gesture aimed to alleviate the economic strain faced by those observing fasting.
PRIME TIME NEWS Correspondent from Plateau State, Galadima Zulkifilu Usamatu reports beneficiaries like Adam Musa Telanghana lauded the initiative, expressing gratitude for the support that will sustain them through the month.
“Such interventions aim to mitigate the economic challenges faced by the less privileged during Ramadan,” Musa said.
As Muslims observe the Ramadan fast globally, Governments at all levels and relevant stakeholders must intervene towards easing the pain of economic hardship bedevilling the nation at large. This will translate to a more peaceful and crime-free Nigeria.
