Some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other part of the country have lamented the continuous increase in the prices of food items.

The residents who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja noted that they are unable to adequately stock their homes for the festive season season.

Speaking, Chritiana Adeyemi, a Civil Servant, said she had to prioritise her shopping list because she could not afford to buy all she wanted.

“Every day you go to the market, the prices of food items have increased. Sometimes you just have to forfeit buying some things

“Last week, I bought a kilo of goat meat for N2,500, now it is N2,800. That is a difference of N300 which I could have added to buy some other items.

“When I got to the market I was not happy because I could not buy all I wanted and I had to start making adjustments on what not to buy.”

Also, Ngozi Samuel, a Public Servant and mother of three, said her family could no longer eat a balanced diet because of the prices of food items.

Samuel, however, said the rise in prices is a global issue but the government need to find ways to cushion its effects on Nigerians.

“Many people cannot afford to eat a meal a day. That is how bad things have become. It is a difficult time for the country.

“Before, I could afford to buy fruits but now I have to channel that money to some other items.

“We have not talked about buying gas or kerosene which are also on the increase.”

Florence Bassey, a Businesswoman, and mother of four said the increase in prices of food is alarming, adding that she cannot afford to buy in bulk anymore.

“When I got to the market I was shocked at the high increase, especially in tomatoes.

“A big basket used to be N8,000 last month, but it is about N22,000 or even more in some markets.

“Also pepper, tatashe, and other items like plantation have also increased. The sellers claim it is due to the fasting.”

Paul Kato, a security guard also noted that the increase in food items is affecting his consumption rate.

“I used to buy a small plate of tomatoes for N100 to N150 in February, now it is N250 to N300 depending on where you go to buy.

“We used to buy N400 onions and it would last my family for two weeks, now N400 onions only last a week. After which you begin to look for money to buy again.

“I appeal to the government to come and help us. Everything is expensive, how can the poor man cope?”

Bukola Adewunmi, a businesswoman and Coordinator of Praying Women, said it has become difficult to do acts of charity because of the high cost of food items.

“It is difficult to be a blessing because of the high cost of things in the market and this might discourage people from doing the little they need to do to help the less privileged.

“But I will love to appeal to well-meaning Nigerians not to be discouraged because these motherless children and the poor need our collective support.

“They need food, drugs, clothing, and a show of love. Let us not stop giving,” she said.

Easter Celebration: Nigerians Lament High Cost Of Food Items

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