The price of garri, an everyday meal that is popular in Nigeria, has skyrocketed in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
Once considered one of the most affordable food items for Nigerian households, garri is now being sold at a staggering rate of 1,100 Naira per measure and 72,000 Naira per 100kg bag, according to reports gathered during a visit to markets by Daily Trust.
The price of garri has increased sharply, and market participants expressed dismay at this development, pointing out that it is now at its highest point in decades. Vendors at the Katako market shared their perspectives on the causes of the extraordinary rise in garri costs.
Hassan Maigari, a seasoned garri seller, attributed the price hike to a surge in demand for the commodity as more people opt for it as a substitute for other, more expensive food items. Maigari, with three decades of experience in the business, stated, “I have never experienced this kind of price surge before. Today, I sold a 100kg bag for 72,000 Naira.”
Abdullahi Ibrahim, another garri seller, highlighted that suppliers’ delays in processing the product contribute to the price surge. He explained that processors intentionally delay processing to capitalize on higher prices, resulting in increased demand and subsequently inflated prices. Ibrahim emphasized the challenges sellers face amidst expectations for price reductions when other commodities witness a price decrease.
The sellers cautioned that prices may rise even further as the rainy season progresses, a period typically associated with price surges. With schools resuming and farmers expected to return to their farms soon, the demand for garri is anticipated to escalate, potentially driving prices to new heights.
There are more difficulties ahead for garri prices in Jos and elsewhere as Nigeria moves into the rainy season. Rainy season problems in agriculture and transportation have historically been linked to garri production, which might further stress the supply and raise prices. Given these obstacles, quick action is required to address the underlying causes of the issue, such as strengthening the supply chain, investing in agricultural infrastructure, and implementing measures to lessen the effect of inflation on food costs.
The sharp increase in garri prices in Jos underscores the vulnerability of Nigeria’s food system and the pressing need for long-term fixes. Garri, one of the most popular foods in the nation, is essential to the lives of millions of Nigerians, especially the impoverished. All parties involved must work together to address the crisis’s underlying causes, which will involve community involvement, business sector cooperation, and government intervention. Garri is a basic meal that is essential to the preservation of not only our cultural history but also our ability to purchase it for all Nigerians. However, we cannot achieve this without cooperating with one another.
