In the wake of recent nationwide hunger protests, Kaduna is grappling with soaring prices of essential goods, particularly food items and cooking gas.

Across markets and shops in the state, prices of provisions, grains, and other staples have surged significantly.

News Agency of Nigeria reports that the prices of basic food items, including rice, beans, yams, garri (cassava flakes), and noodles, have escalated for the fourth time in 2024.

For instance, the cost of a kilogram of cooking gas, which ranged between N1,100 and N1,120 in July, has now jumped to N1,400 at various gas stations within the Kaduna metropolis.

At the Sheikh Abubakar Gumi market, Kaduna’s central market, a 50kg bag of imported rice that was previously sold for around N79,000 now costs between N86,000 and N90,000.

Similarly, yams that were priced at N5,000 per tuber just weeks ago are now being sold for N7,000, with a set of five tubers costing N28,000.

The price of beans has also seen a significant rise, with a local measure of eight cups now selling for N3,500, up from its previous price range of N2,000 to N2,500.

Garri, which was sold for N1,300, is now priced between N1,400 and N1,500. A carton of Indomie noodles has increased from N7,500 to N7,700, while a basket of Irish potatoes has gone up from N5,000 to N6,000.

Traders cite increased costs at depots, transportation difficulties, and scarcity of some food items as reasons for the price hikes.

Esther James, a food vendor, explained that to avoid losses, she now sells items wholesale. “For example, I no longer sell eggs individually; I sell an entire crate for N4,400. If I sell singles, I may incur losses”.

“The Indomie used to cost N7,500; I now buy it at that price but add an extra N200 to cover my profit. The super pack is now N17,000, up from N15,000, and I no longer offer discounts.”

A visit to Kasuwan Bacci Market also revealed substantial price increases, with a measure of white beans now selling for N2,600, up from N2,500, and other varieties going for N2,800 to N3,000.

Onion prices have spiked as well, with three bulbs now costing N500. A paint bowl of Irish potatoes is being sold for N4,000 and a tuber of new yam for N4,000. The price of pepper has risen, with a small basket of red pepper now costing N1,300.

Residents of Kaduna have expressed deep concern over the escalating prices, which they say have risen by about 50 percent, exacerbating the already challenging economic situation. Many are struggling to make ends meet as the value of the Naira continues to decline.

A resident, Amina Idris, lamented, “After the hunger protests, the cost of food items has surged. What we could buy with N5,000 or N10,000 now costs over N15,000.”

An artisan, Namoh Stephen, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Most of us rely on daily incomes and find it difficult to afford foodstuffs that can last even two days.

“The Naira’s purchasing power has significantly weakened, and what N1,000 can buy today is nothing compared to when things were better.”