Easter shopping activity across major markets in Lagos has slowed considerably as rising food prices force many residents to cut back on spending.
A survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday and Saturday at key markets, including Mile 12, Oyingbo, and those along the Lekki-Epe corridor, revealed a noticeable drop in the usual festive rush associated with the Easter season.
Traders attributed the development to a sharp increase in the cost of essential food items over the past two weeks. The price of a bag of scotch bonnet pepper (atarodo) has climbed to ₦105,000 from ₦85,000 recorded during the Eid-el-Fitr period. Similarly, a 25kg bag of bell peppers (tatashe) now sells for ₦70,000, up from ₦35,000, while chilli peppers (shombo/bawa) have risen to ₦60,000 from ₦35,000.
Other staples have also recorded price hikes. A 100kg bag of onions now costs about ₦84,000, compared to ₦71,000 two weeks ago, while a 50kg basket of tomatoes has increased to ₦40,000 from ₦30,000 within the same period.
The spokesperson for Mile 12 Market, Femi Odusanya, linked the persistent rise in food prices to increasing transportation and logistics costs, largely driven by the high cost of fuel, including petrol and diesel. He explained that global energy market disruptions, worsened by geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, have contributed to the surge, impacting food distribution nationwide.
Odusanya called on the Federal Government to introduce palliative measures to cushion the effect of rising food prices on Nigerians.
Traders also reported a decline in purchasing power among consumers. A foodstuff seller at Mile 12 Market, Bose Adeyemi, said many customers now buy in smaller quantities or leave without making purchases after checking prices.
At Oyingbo Market, trader Imran Hassan noted that frequent price fluctuations have made it difficult for traders to plan effectively, adding that higher transportation costs from northern Nigeria are being passed on to buyers.
Consumers, meanwhile, say they are adjusting their Easter plans. A Lagos resident, Emeka Okafor, said his family would scale down their usual celebrations due to the current economic realities.
Many residents have called for urgent government intervention to stabilise fuel prices and address supply chain challenges, warning that continued increases could further dampen spending during festive periods.
