Ramadan Sees Rise in Prices of Rice, Maize, and Beans

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, market observations reveal an increase in the prices of staple foods including local rice, maize, and beans across various locations in Abuja, Taraba, and Kaduna states, while prices have retained stability in Lagos and Kano.

Surveys conducted by correspondents in major markets indicate that unlike prior years where traders raised prices in anticipation of Ramadan, this year's market conditions present a mixed but generally stable picture.

Abuja

In the Federal Capital Territory, some fundamental food items have seen mild price hikes. In Abuja, sellers of provisions have noted increases in the cost of local rice, beans, maize, and guinea corn recently.

"A bag of beans that was priced at N50,000 has jumped to N90,000. Maize, which previously sold for between N25,000 and N27,000, has also experienced a significant price increase," commented Salisu Muhammad, a trader operating in the city's markets.

Local rice in large packs, approaching 100kg, is now priced close to N100,000, reflecting a surge in demand as Ramadan nears.

Traders attribute these hikes mainly to seasonal demand, as families, philanthropic groups, and religious organizations stock up for daily meals and charitable distributions.

Concerns from Kaduna Residents

In Kaduna, residents are reporting slight increases in prices, particularly for beans and maize. Khadija Ahmed, a local, noted that a measure of beans which used to sell for N700 is now priced at N1,400.

"This season should have been a time for price stability, but some traders are raising their prices," she stated.

Despite these increases, some commodities have not seen price hikes, with certain traders indicating that prices had fallen slightly in the preceding month before experiencing modest increases due to Ramadan demand.

Price Increases in Taraba

In Taraba state, there has been a noticeable rise in foodstuff prices, which has pleased local farmers. Reports show that a 100 kg bag of White Beans, which was sold for N65,000, has escalated to N110,000. Additionally, the price for 100 kg of Paddy Rice has risen from N18,000 to between N28,000 and N30,000.

Similarly, the cost of a 100 kg bag of Maize has increased from N15,000 to N18,000, now reaching prices of N23,000 to N24,000.

Further findings indicated that the cost of 100 kg of dried Cassava rose from N3,500 to N7,000, while a 100 kg bag of groundnuts increased from N30,000 to N45,000. Though prices for palm oil and vegetables dipped slightly, with a 25-liter jerry can of palm oil falling from N70,000 to N53,000, farmers expressed satisfaction over the rising prices of their produce.

Bello Adamu explained to sources that this has been a challenging year for farmers due to previously low prices, as many lost capital invested during the wet season. As prices for farm products rise, he expressed hope that it may allow farmers to invest in the upcoming wet season.

Stable Prices in Lagos

Conversely, surveys show that food prices in Lagos have remained stable following a drop post-holidays. A bag of pepper consistently sells for N46,000, while half a bag goes for N20,000. Similarly, bag prices for tomatoes hold steady at N36,000.

The price of beans remains at N60,000, with long grain rice priced at N75,000 and short grain at N55,000. The cost of a kilo of frozen chicken is still N4,800, but there has been a significant increase in onion prices, which have surged to N90,000 from N70,000.

Femi Oke, Secretary General of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), attributed this stability in food prices to governmental interventions aimed at supporting farmers, noting that assistance received during the dry season is evident in increased outputs. He added that a reduction in transportation costs also helps maintain these prices.

Kano Markets Resist Seasonal Increases

Similarly, in Kano, markets have largely remained unaffected by the typical price spikes associated with Ramadan. At the Singer and Sabon Gari markets, a 50kg bag of Gerewa rice is priced at N52,000, while BUA rice stands at N52,500, and AA Rano rice at N51,500 for a 50kg bag, with 25kg bags going for N27,000.

A bag of sugar remains around N70,000, with local measures showing a decrease from N5,000 last year to N4,500 in some markets. Flour prices have held steady at approximately N60,000 per bag.

Recent price fluctuations in fresh produce indicate slight adjustments, with a bowl of tomatoes dropping to N800 and tatashe selling for N1,500, while onions stay high at N2,000 per bowl. A basket of Irish potatoes is priced at N7,500, and medium-sized yams begin at N5,000.

Despite previous fire incidents at Singer Market that caused significant damage, the expected scarcity has not occurred, aiding families in better planning for the month-long fasting period, particularly for those purchasing in bulk for charitable distributions.