Food prices have stolen our Christmas joy - FCT residents cry out

By Matthew Denis, Abuja

With barely one week to Christmas, a cloud of despondency hangs over the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as residents lament that the persistent and astronomical hike in the prices of staple food items has stolen the joy of the season, forcing families to make difficult choices between celebration and sustenance.

A visit by our correspondents to major markets across the city, including Garki Ultra-Modern Market, Wuse Market and Utako Market, revealed widespread frustration among shoppers, many of whom complained that food prices have surged beyond the reach of the average Nigerian.

Several residents who spoke in separate interviews said most staple food items had become unaffordable, forcing families to adjust their consumption patterns. While some said early purchases could help households manage the yuletide period, many lamented the lack of financial capacity to buy food in bulk amid mounting economic pressures.

A medical doctor, Dr Gabriel Magnus, described the situation as increasingly alarming, particularly in low-income communities where providing three meals a day has become a struggle.

“It is getting worse by the day. Many families can no longer afford three square meals. People try to manage the little they have, but only those with sufficient income can buy food in bulk now to hedge against further price increases. How many people have that kind of money with the rising cost of rent, transport and utilities?” he asked.

Magnus urged the government to intervene urgently to address the rising cost of food and ease the burden on citizens.

A civil servant, Mr Cyril Obe, also expressed shock at the sharp increase in prices.

“I came to buy a five-litre keg of cooking oil and was told it now costs ₦19,500. Just weeks ago, it was sold for ₦16,000. These increases are happening too fast,” he said.

A businesswoman, Mrs Charity Agbo, said the rising cost of staple items such as rice and cooking oil had outpaced the salaries of many workers, making bulk purchases almost impossible.
According to her, many Nigerians who traditionally stocked up on food items between September and October in preparation for Christmas can no longer afford to do so.

“People are struggling to make ends meet. Inflation has affected everything. There is too much to worry about, but food is paramount. As Nigerians, we always find a way to survive the festive season. Still, even if prices drop slightly in December, many people will not have enough money to buy what they planned,” she said.

Agbo added that several of her customers were hesitant to buy food early, fearing they might consume everything before the festive period.
A resident of Karu, Abuja, Engr Amos Noku, said the cost of rice—Nigeria’s staple food—has risen beyond the monthly minimum wage of an average worker.

He noted that the continuous increase in food prices has altered eating habits in many households and could negatively affect the nutritional well-being of children.

“This situation is affecting families seriously. Many homes are cutting down on meals, and that will affect children’s nutrition. Those who can afford to buy and store food now should do so, because prices are unpredictable,” he said.

Noku, however, expressed optimism that prices might stabilise later in December following harvest activities.
Sharing a similar view, Mr Goodluck Ojiji said he had already stocked food items for the festive season despite the high cost.

“It cost me a lot. Some items are almost twice their former prices. I bought a bag of locally produced rice at ₦56,000 earlier; it now sells for nearly ₦70,000. Not everyone has savings to do this because there are other pressing needs,” he explained.

Ojiji said he resorted to using his savings to avoid further price hikes, describing the current situation as unpredictable.

A public servant, Mr Patrick Odey, also lamented the rising cost of festive hampers, noting that medium-sized hampers that sold for about ₦20,000 last year now go for as much as ₦40,000.
“That is not friendly at this season. Many people simply cannot afford it,” he said.

As Christmas draws nearer, many residents fear that unless urgent measures are taken to stabilise food prices, the festive season may be marked by hardship rather than celebration for millions of Nigerian families.