Rising fuel costs have hit patronage at the Eid-el-Fitr market in Lagos

Traders at Oyingbo and Surulere markets have expressed mixed reactions regarding cronyism as fluctuating food prices and rising fuel costs shape purchasing patterns during the Eid al-Fitr season.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while some commodities have seen price drops due to new harvests, others remain persistently high, with the recent increase in fuel prices further weakening consumers’ purchasing power.

Many traders, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, attributed the development to higher transportation and logistics costs, driven by rising fuel prices.

This, they said, was passed on to food prices, limiting bulk purchases and reducing market activity typically associated with holiday periods.

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At Oyingbo market, Ms Bose Adeyemi, an egusi trader, said the commodity remains relatively expensive despite the steady supply.

“A hand-peeled egusi derica is sold for about 3,000 naira, while the motor-peeled one is sold for 1,500 naira,” he said.

He explained that hand-peeled egusi, known for its cleaner, whiter appearance, is often preferred by customers, and many believe it tastes better when cooked.

“Despite this, both types are widely used depending on what buyers can afford,” Adeyemi said.

According to her, a bucket of egusi paint, which contains about five dericas and weighs between 2.6kg and 3kg, is sold between N8,500 and N10,000, depending on the quality and seller.

A trader at Oyingbo Market, Mrs Funmilola Gbajumo, said the high cost of egusi, compounded by transportation charges, continued to impact bulk purchases.

“People don’t buy full paint buckets as much as they used to. Most customers now ask for derica or even smaller sizes.

“Egusi is no longer just food; it’s becoming something that people carefully ration,” he said.

It attributed the high prices to low production, strong demand and increased costs of processing and transporting goods due to rising fuel prices.

Ms Kudirat Lawal, an ogbono trader at Oyingbo Market, said prices of the commodity remain high in all markets.

“A bucket of ogbono paint, depending on the size and quality, sells between N25,000 and N49,000, while smaller buckets range from N21,000 to N37,000,” he said.

He added that a derica of ogbono sells between N5,500 and N13,500 for premium quality seeds, depending on the market and seller.

Lawal said prices vary based on the quality of the seeds, whether hand-picked or machine-processed, as well as location.

“Demand during holiday periods like this also affects the price, which is why it remains high,” he said.

In Surulere markets, particularly in and around Lawanson, traders say the mood is subdued despite the seasonal influx of fresh produce.

Mrs Abimbola Adegbite, a pepper seller, noted that although tomatoes and peppers are relatively cheaper compared to previous months, patronage has not improved.

He said a paint bucket full of tomatoes sells between N2,750 and N7,000, while Scotch Bonnet chilli (rodo) ranges from N5,000 to N7,500.

He added that large baskets of tomatoes now sell for between N10,000 and N30,000, a significant decline from over N140,000 recorded in 2024 and 2025 during the scarcity periods.

“The price has dropped, but people still aren’t buying like they used to.

“Even with this reduction, customers complain that things are still expensive in general, especially since transportation costs are increasing every day,” he said.

At the Idi-Araba market, another trader, Sulaiman Kareem, attributed the slow market activity to reduced purchasing power linked to rising fuel costs.

“Onions are now cheaper than other items, but sales are still slow.

“A small bucket of paint sells for about N3,000, and large bowls go for up to N15,000, however people buy in small quantities,” he said.

He added that many customers now prefer to buy daily necessities in minimal portions as transport fares and other living costs continue to rise.

Some consumers who spoke to NAN said they are adjusting their spending habits due to the economic situation.

Ms Aminat Yusuf, a Surulere resident, said she is now prioritizing essential goods.

“I only buy what I need for a day or two. Buying in bulk is difficult now.

“Even during this holiday season, we still feel the strain because transportation and other expenses have increased,” he said.

Another resident, Chinedu Okeke, noted that the usual liveliness associated with the season seems to be missing.

“The market is not as lively as expected, people are careful about spending.

“It feels like a normal time, not a holiday season,” he said.

IOI/JNC

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