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The usual Easter shopping rush at major Lagos markets has slowed as residents cut back on purchases due to rising food prices, a survey by the News Agency of Nigeria revealed.
The survey, conducted on Friday and Saturday, covered markets including Mile 12, Oyingbo, and locations along the Lekki-Epe corridor.
It found sharp price increases in perishable ingredients over the past two weeks.
A bag of scotch bonnet peppers (atarodo) now sells for N105,000, up from N85,000 during the Eid-el-Fitr period.
Similarly, a 25kg bag of bell peppers (tatashe) doubled to N70,000, while chilli peppers (shombo/bawa) rose to N60,000.
Other staples also recorded price hikes. A 100kg bag of onions now costs N84,000, up from N71,000, and a 50kg basket of tomatoes sells for N40,000, up from N30,000.
Mile 12 Market spokesperson Femi Odusanya blamed the increases on rising transportation and logistics expenses driven by escalating fuel prices and disruptions in the global energy market linked to geopolitical tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Traders reported that price volatility has reduced consumer purchasing power and disrupted planning.
Many buyers are purchasing smaller quantities or simply checking prices without buying.
Some consumers, like Mr Emeka Okafor, said the rising costs have forced them to scale down their Easter plans.
Market participants called for government intervention to stabilise fuel prices and address supply chain challenges to ensure food affordability.
