By Nworisa Michael
Residents and traders in Lagos are grappling with increasing economic pressure as rising fuel prices continue to push food costs beyond the reach of many households.
The Baba Loja General of Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, Alhaji Abiodun Kosoko, attributed the surge in food prices to escalating transportation costs, noting that both traders and consumers are struggling to cope with the situation.
He explained that although markets still witness high customer turnout, actual sales have declined significantly due to reduced purchasing power. According to him, many buyers now leave markets with fewer items than intended.
Kosoko highlighted that most food supplies in Lagos are transported from northern and neighbouring states, where production is higher. However, the rising cost of fuel, long-distance logistics, and multiple levies along transport routes have increased the overall cost of goods, which is ultimately passed on to consumers.
He warned that the trend poses a major challenge to small-scale traders, especially those dealing in perishable items who depend on quick sales to avoid losses. He called on the Federal Government to consider interventions such as fuel subsidies or transport support to stabilise prices.
The impact is already evident in staple foods, with the price of a bag of rice rising from about ₦50,000 to between ₦56,000 and ₦58,000, depending on availability.
Traders say they are often misunderstood by customers. A meat seller, Hammed Adekunle, noted that buyers frequently accuse sellers of inflating prices, unaware of the increasing costs across the supply chain. He added that rising expenses for livestock, feed, and transportation leave traders with little choice but to adjust prices.
For consumers, the situation has led to difficult decisions. A school teacher, Mrs Sola Ogunbade, said she now focuses only on essential items due to limited income, while a mother of three, Mrs Mary Chukwu, revealed that her family now survives on basic meals, often lacking balanced nutrition.
The economic strain is also affecting celebrations. A resident, Funbi Idowu, described the recent Easter period as one of the most challenging for his family, noting that they could no longer afford items like chicken, which were once common during festive seasons.
As the cost of living continues to rise, residents are urging authorities to take urgent steps to ease the burden, including interventions to reduce fuel and food prices and restore stability to everyday life.
