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Nigerians Express Concern Over Rising Bean Prices, Making It Unaffordable as a Key Protein Source
By
Jago
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, residents expressed their concerns over the skyrocketing prices of beans, which have now become a rare item on many Nigerian tables. Among those interviewed were Mercy Edidion from Mararaba and Rekiyetu Idris from Nyanya, who shared their frustrations about the impact of rising prices on both consumers and traders....(CONTINUE READING)
Edidion remarked that beans, once an affordable food staple, have become too expensive for the average Nigerian to afford. “Beans, a key source of protein, are now out of reach for many people,” she said. “Some are turning to alternatives like maize or potatoes, but these are not as popular.
The rising prices are hurting both consumers and traders, worsening the economic strain. Beans used to be inexpensive, but now it’s hard for the average person to buy. My kids love beans, so I still buy them, but the prices are really frustrating,” Edidion added.Idris, another resident, shared how the sharp increase in food prices is negatively affecting Nigerians. “
I bought a mudu of white beans for ₦3,500 and red beans for ₦3,800 to ₦4,000, compared to ₦1,200 last year. I’m hoping prices will come down soon,” she said.Trader Obi Rita, from Mararaba Market, explained that they are facing difficulties due to the rising prices of beans. “We buy directly from farmers, but they no longer sell to us at lower prices.
A bag of beans now costs ₦115,000, compared to ₦75,000 last December,” she explained.Mathias Alewo, another vendor, noted that the price hike has led to a decrease in customer demand. “Fewer people are buying from us because beans have become too expensive for the average Nigerian. Since we can’t get them at lower prices from farmers, it’s hard to sell at prices people expect. I think the government should intervene and help subsidize prices,” he said.
The increase in the cost of beans reflects the broader issues plaguing Nigeria’s food sector, including inflation, supply chain disruptions, and the effects of climate change.
