Victor Enengedi, a seasoned journalist with Legit.ng, highlights a pressing issue affecting Nigerian households. The price of garri, a staple food, has skyrocketed to unprecedented levels in Jos, Plateau State’s capital. Once considered an affordable essential, garri now costs N1,100 per measure and an alarming N72,000 per 100kg bag.
This surge in garri prices reflects broader economic challenges. According to a recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s inflation rate climbed to 33.2% in March, with food inflation reaching a staggering 40.01%. Such figures position Nigeria among countries grappling with high food inflation, exacerbating the cost of living for many.
Market observations by Daily Trust reveal that the price of garri has hit historic highs. Sellers at Katako market shed light on the factors driving this increase. Hassan Maigari, a seasoned garri seller, noted that the current high demand is a significant factor. “Many people have turned to garri as a substitute for other, more expensive foods,” Maigari explained. “I’ve been in this business for 30 years and have never seen prices rise this sharply. Today, a 100kg bag sells for N72,000.”
Abdullahi Ibrahim, another garri seller, pointed out that farm processors are also contributing to the price hike. “Processors are delaying the processing of garri to sell at higher prices, leading to increased demand,” he said. Ibrahim emphasized that customers often do not understand the challenges faced by sellers, expecting prices to drop simply because other commodity prices have fallen. However, the situation with garri is different, and prices might rise further with the onset of the rainy season.
Several factors contribute to this alarming trend. Firstly, the high demand for garri stems from its role as an affordable alternative to other staples. As prices of various food items surge, more people turn to garri, increasing its demand. Secondly, processors’ strategic delays in production aim to capitalize on higher prices, further straining supply and driving up costs. Additionally, the seasonal impact of the rainy season historically causes price increases, a trend that seems likely to continue this year.
The implications of these price hikes are significant. For many Nigerian households, garri is a dietary staple, and its affordability has long been a crucial factor in maintaining food security. The current price surge threatens this stability, pushing more families into economic hardship. As schools resume and farmers return to their fields, the combination of increased demand and limited supply could exacerbate the situation.
Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. Policymakers must consider interventions to stabilize food prices and ensure affordable access to staples like garri. Strategies could include supporting farmers and processors to increase production efficiency and implementing measures to curb inflation. Additionally, consumer education on market dynamics might help manage expectations and reduce panic buying, which can further drive up prices.
In conclusion, the rising price of garri in Nigeria reflects broader economic challenges, particularly high inflation rates and market dynamics. As garri prices reach record highs, the impact on households is profound, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to stabilize the market and protect food security. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to these price increases, there is hope for alleviating the economic strain on Nigerian families and ensuring that essential food items remain accessible to all.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings