The prices of perishable food items have seen a significant drop in key towns across Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa states, following the arrival of fresh harvests. This development has brought much-needed relief to consumers, particularly in Damaturu, where prices have decreased by nearly 50%.
For instance, a large basket of tomatoes that previously cost N120,000 between April and May is now being sold for N40,000. Similarly, smaller baskets that were priced at N75,000 have dropped to N18,000. A bag of pepper, which was sold for N170,000 during the same period, is now available for N82,000. The cost of okra has also halved, with a bag now selling for N25,000, compared to N50,000 earlier in the year.
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However, not all food items have seen a decrease in price. Onions, for example, have become more expensive, with a bag that previously cost between N28,000 and N30,000 now selling for N50,000.
The chairman of the Perishable Items Market in Damaturu, Alhaji Muazu Abbas, explained that these price fluctuations are common during harvest seasons when new produce floods the market. “Prices usually drop when fresh goods are in abundance, but they rise again when supplies become scarce,” he said.
In contrast, the price of yam has surged at Bayan Tasha Market, with small tubers that sold for N1,500 last year now costing N4,000. Larger tubers have also seen a price increase, jumping from N3,500 to N15,000. Alhaji Habibu Mohammed, the Yam Sellers’ Leader, attributed this rise to a reduction in supply and the increased cost of transportation from states like Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau.
In Borno, the situation mirrors that of Yobe, with prices of perishables dropping due to incoming harvests, although traders are hopeful for further decreases as more crops are brought to market. However, the prices of grains, such as local rice, beans, maize, and millet, remain high. Traders expect these prices to ease only when the next harvest begins in October.
Similarly, in Adamawa, while perishable items have become more affordable, grain prices have stayed elevated. A 100kg bag of maize, which sold for N60,000 last year, is now priced at N90,000. White beans have also seen a price jump from N75,000 to N160,000 per bag.
Local industry representatives have voiced their concerns, with Alhaji Usman Ngari, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (Yobe Chapter), highlighting the need for better storage facilities to preserve crops and stabilize prices. However, the high costs associated with building such facilities remain a significant barrier for many farmers.
As the harvest season progresses, both traders and consumers are keeping a close eye on market prices, hoping for further reductions in food costs.
