Christmas: Prices of food, cooking gas soar in Nigeria

Less than 24 hours before Christmas, the prices of cooking gas and food items have surged in Kaduna, leaving many residents unable to afford the essentials needed for the holiday season.

A steady increase in the cost of provisions, grains, and other staple foods has been observed in markets and shops across the state. Many residents are expressing concerns that they won’t be able to celebrate Christmas with their families due to the rising costs.

A visit to the Sheikh Abubakar Gumi market, Kaduna’s central market, revealed that in 2024 alone, the prices of key food items like rice, beans, yams, garri, and noodles have more than quadrupled. For instance, a 50kg bag of foreign rice, which was previously sold for about N80,000, now costs between N90,000 and N100,000. Yams, which were priced at N5,000 per tuber just a few weeks ago, have now increased to N7,000 per tuber, with a set of five selling for N28,000.

The price of beans has also risen sharply, with a local measure (eight cups) now selling for between N1,000 and N2,500, up from previous rates. Similarly, the price of garri, which was N1,300 per measure, has risen to between N1,400 and N1,500. A carton of Indomie noodles has gone up from N7,500 to N7,700, while a basket of Irish potatoes, which was sold for between N5,000 and N5,500, now costs N6,000.

Many residents are frustrated, noting that these essential items are now out of their reach. Traders explain that the price hikes are due to the increased cost of goods at depots, as well as higher transportation costs to get the products into Kaduna.

Monday Zango, a food vendor, shared that he no longer sells eggs individually but only by the crate at N6,000 to avoid financial losses. “The noodles and other goods I now buy require me to make some profit to support my family and pay for my shop rental,” he said.

Residents have linked the price hikes to broader national issues, including insecurity and rising petrol prices. Suleiman Adamu, a concerned local, argued that until the country elects a transformative leader with the political will to address these challenges, food prices will continue to rise, putting basic necessities out of reach for ordinary citizens.

“We need leadership that fears God and prioritizes the well-being of the people,” Adamu said, adding that both Christians and Muslims are suffering from the same economic struggles. “Celebrations, whether for Christmas or other holidays, are just names now. There is nothing for people to celebrate with. Nigerians are truly suffering.”