NEWS

Ebonyi Residents, Traders Decry Soaring Prices and Food Scarcity, Call for Government Intervention

Published

1 year ago

February 21, 2024

Traders and residents from Ikwo, Ebonyi State, are expressing concern over the continuous increase in commodity prices and scarcity of essential food items, leading to escalating economic distress.

The traders urged the government to implement supportive economic measures to cushion the effect.

In Interview with Asiwaju Media, on Tuesday, locals from Nwakpu Ikwo voiced their concerns about the soaring prices of staples like rice, beans, and fresh pepper.

Mrs. Nkechi, a vendor at Nwakpu Market and Ebonyi Residents , expressed frustration over the scarcity of fresh produce and the steep rise in prices. She highlighted the ripple effects on her business and contemplated adjusting her pricing strategy.

“I go stop to dey sell fresh pepper and all these foodstuff wey add money especially all these wey no dey spoil, I go add money to their normal price,” she said.

Mr. Chukwu, a father of three, echoed concerns about his children’s nutrition amidst the scarcity of essential ingredients like fresh pepper. This has forced families to resort to less flavorful alternatives.

He lamented, “Fresh pepper adds flavor and essential nutrients to their meals, but its scarcity means they miss out and are left with no option than to resort to dry ground pepper and Cameroun pepper.”

Miss Ifeoma, a serving Corps member and food seller, lamented the challenges in maintaining the quality and affordability of her signature dishes due to the scarcity and increased costs of key ingredients.

Customers, predominantly Keke and Okada riders, voiced dissatisfaction with both the rising prices and declining quality of meals, indicating a significant impact on their daily lives.

A retiree, who now opted for dried pepper flakes over fresh ones, reminisced about more abundant and affordable times. This highlighted the trade-offs between flavor and affordable flavor. Oga Ike, a bean stall owner, shared his concerns about dwindling sales amidst skyrocketing bean prices.

He feared the loss of loyal customers who were unable to cope with the new rates.

Madam Ngozi, a rice trader, attributed the challenges to disruptions in the supply chain. She is grappling with the dilemma of balancing quality and affordability amidst rising transportation costs.

She said: “Ai wey we been dey go 200 naira before na now 700 naira with abeg”

Chief Obinna, a market elder, emphasized the importance of community solidarity.

He advocated for collaborative efforts among traders to explore innovative solutions such as collective purchasing or cooperative farming to alleviate the scarcity.