DECLINE IN FOOD PRICES OBSERVED IN KANO, TARABA, KWARA, AND NIGER.

Food prices have initiated a decline at major grain markets in the states of Kano, Taraba, and Niger, as reported by Daily Trust. Notably, protests had occurred in Lagos.

Kano

Recent reports from Kano State indicate a decrease in prices for maize, soya beans, beans, and rice at markets such as Doguwa, Tudun Wada, Bunkure, and others. Hudu Faruk, a grain merchant, attributes this decline to the sealing of warehouses accused of hoarding grains by the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission. The suspension of commodity purchases by merchants due to apprehensions related to the intervention is believed to be a key factor behind the price drop. A trader at Bunkure Market, Adam Isah Barkum, attributes the drop in food prices to reduced demand from major buyers. In various markets, a 100kg bag of maize, which was sold for between N58,000 and N60,000 last week, was observed to be sold at between N50,000 and N48,000, while the price of beans dropped from N94,000 to N85,000.

Taraba

Similarly, in Taraba State, prices for various grains, including maize, millet, sorghum, white beans, soybeans, and dried cassava, have decreased at Mutum Biyu, Garba-Chede, Maihula, and Iware markets. A farmer, Ali Maihula, reports that the price of a 100kg bag of maize dropped from N54,000 to N40,000; soybeans from N40,000 to N32,000; sorghum from N50,000 to N41,000; locally processed rice (a mudu) from N2,300 to N1,700; and white beans from N2,100 to N1,600. A trader, Garba Mutum Biyu, attributes the price drop to the absence of middlemen who used to make bulk purchases at the markets.

Kwara

In Kwara State, farmer Bose Anifowose notes a significant decrease in the price of a 50kg bag of maize at Ajase market, selling for N40,000 compared to above N65,000 in January. Mukaila Salaudeen, chairman of Amana Farmers, Ilọrin, reports a gradual reduction in grain prices at local markets, with expectations of further decreases in the coming weeks.

Niger

In Niger State, especially in Bida, there is a reduction in the price of a 50kg bag of maize from N52,000 to N48,000 and guinea corn from N48,000 to N39,000. Residents attribute this price decrease to the government’s decision to ban bulk buying of grains from markets. However, there is a contrasting trend in fertilizer prices, with a significant increase reported ahead of the upcoming rainy season farming. Fertilizer dealer Danjuma Yarima in Minna states that the price of Urea has risen from N25,000 to N36,000, and NPK from N27,000 to N37,500.

By Ibrahim M. Giginyu (Kano), Magaji L. Hunkuyi (Jalingo), Idris Mahmud (Katsina), Mumini Abdulkareem (Ilorin), Hope Abah (Makurdi) &  Adenike Kaffi (Ibadan) From the News Source: DailyTrust