Nigerians face the priciest Sallah celebrations in over 30 years as staple food prices like rice, tomatoes, and rams soar to unprecedented highs.
The country is grappling with its highest inflation rate in more than three decades, and food inflation has hit near four-decade peaks.
The Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah) festive period typically brings vibrant celebrations and communal feasting for Nigerian Muslims. However, soaring inflation and economic challenges have cast a shadow over the festivities this year.
The traditional slaughtering of the Ileya ram, a cherished ritual during Sallah, is under threat. Alhaji Bakare Akinyele, who usually celebrates with a ram and a cow, faces significant hurdles this year. “It’s almost impossible to afford the Ileya ram,” he lamented, citing prices surpassing N300,000 in Lagos. The removal of fuel subsidies has further inflated transport costs, making northern livestock even less accessible.
A recent survey by Nairametrics in Lagos and Abuja highlights a staggering 200% surge in livestock prices over the past year, fueled by inflation and subsidy cuts. Rams that once cost N100,000 to N150,000 now demand N300,000 to N400,000, reflecting a 150% increase.
In Abuja, tomatoes have skyrocketed from N120,000 to N150,000 per basket, up from N40,000 just a month prior. The cost of rice and garri has similarly ballooned, with prices increasing over 400% compared to last year.
Even sellers are feeling the pinch. Ridwan, a Lagos seller, noted dwindling sales this season, attributing it to economic strain affecting buyer spending power. “It feels like the season hasn’t arrived,” he remarked despondently.
High food inflation, now exceeding 40%, exacerbates many Nigerians’ financial strain. Economist Olufemi Idris warns, “Inflation is a severe burden on any economy,” calling for urgent interventions to alleviate food production costs.
Ibrahim Kabir, president of the All Farmers Association, emphasized the need for increased government support in agriculture. “Farmers need more capital,” he stressed, urging low-interest loans to boost agricultural productivity and mitigate food price volatility.
