By Charles Igwe
The price of Indomie Super Pack, a popular brand of noodles, has surged from N8,500 to N18,000, marking an increase of over 100 percent. Similarly, the small pack of Indomie, previously sold for N5,000, now commands a price of N11,000. Additionally, the cost of a five-liter bottle of groundnut oil has risen from N7,000 to N11,000.
In regions like Jos, known for the cultivation of Irish Potatoes, the price of a bag of Irish Potatoes has skyrocketed from N25,000 to N40,000.
Recent market surveys conducted by The Gazette in February revealed that food item prices have more than doubled since the assumption of office by Mr. Tinubu last year.
The surge in food prices has triggered protests across various states, including Niger, Osun, Ibadan, and Lagos, as Nigerians demand relief from the economic hardships.
In response to the public outcry, Mr. Tinubu directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to release approximately 42,000 metric tonnes of grains, such as maize, millet, and garri. He also instructed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, along with the State Security Service and Nigerian police, to crack down on food hoarders.
Furthermore, the Nigeria Customs Service distributed confiscated food items to alleviate hunger. However, the distribution was halted after a tragic stampede occurred during rice distribution in Lagos, resulting in the loss of six lives.
