Rising fuel costs have continued to push food prices upward in Lagos, leaving traders with low sales and consumers struggling to afford basic items.
Baba Loja General of Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, Alhaji Abiodun Kosoko, said high transportation expenses from northern supply routes are driving the surge, despite steady market turnout. He noted that many traders now face losses as perishable goods remain unsold due to reduced purchasing power.
A bag of rice, previously sold for ₦50,000, now goes for between ₦56,000 and ₦58,000, forcing buyers to purchase smaller quantities.
Traders, including meat seller Hammed Adekunle, said customers often accuse them of inflating prices, unaware of rising costs of livestock, feed, and transport.
Consumers also shared the impact. A teacher, Sola Ogunbade, said she now prioritises only essential items, while Mary Chukwu, a mother of three, noted her family meals have reduced to basic survival with little nutritional balance.
Funbi Idowu described the Easter period as particularly difficult, saying his family could no longer afford items like whole chicken.
Stakeholders are calling on the Federal Government to introduce fuel subsidies or transport support to ease the burden on traders and households.
