The price rice, a staple food in Nigeria, has dropped drastically in several markets in Lagos State due to a surge in imports through the borders, easing the burden on consumers.
The development, however, has raised concern among traders over reduced profits and business sustainability.
A 50kg of rice in Lagos currently sells for between N55,000 and N70,000 depending on the brands.
Many traders and consumers disclosed that the stable food has witnessed a sudden crash in the price.
They noted that both local and foreign rice brands have witnessed a steep drop in price reversing the surge seen earlier in the year.
In popular markets such as Oyingbo, Arena (Oshodi), FESTAC Town, and Mile 12, a 50kg bag of local rice that sold for around N85,000 in January now goes for between N60,000 and N70,000.
Similarly, foreign rice, which was N95,000 at the beginning of the year, currently sells for between N65,000 and N75,000, depending on the brands and market location.
At the Arena Market, a rice dealer, Precious Okoro, lamented that the recent crash had left many traders struggling to recover their investments.
“We are selling at a loss. I bought several bags at N80,000 and N85,000 early this year, and now I have to sell them for as low as N65,000. The fall came suddenly, and it’s been tough for us,” Okoro said.
She added that while customers are excited about the new prices, traders are counting heavy losses.
“Rice doesn’t spoil easily like other food items, but when prices crash this way, our capital just ties down. Some of us can’t even restock,” the trader stated.
Okoro said the government needed to be intentional in stabilising the price of rice in the country through regular support to local farmers to boost the supply chain.
Okoro said: “The government needs to provide incentives for local farmers to increase production and improve the infrastructure for storage and distribution.
“This will help to reduce the cost of production and make rice more affordable for consumers.”
At the FESTAC Town Market, a retailer, Edith Nwaruh, said a 50kg rice Pretty Lady sells for N57,000, Mama Africa – N62,000, Mama Gold – N67,000, and Big Bull Premium – N73,000.
Nwaruh said the decline began around August, following reports of improved local harvests and increased rice supply from northern states.
“We have more rice in the market now. Local production improved, and imports also increased. When there’s too much supply, prices must drop,” she told NAN.
Another trader at the Mile 12 Market, Odion Michael, described the situation as a “double-edged sword.”
“Consumers are happy, but traders are weeping. We want prices to be stable, not jumping or falling suddenly. Price stability helps us to plan our business,” Michael said.
A consumer, Andriana Okoromaro, said the drop is timely, given the high cost of other food items.
“At least, rice is affordable again. I used to buy a half bag because it was too expensive. Now, I can buy a full bag for the family. It’s a big relief,” she said.
Another consumer, Oluwaseun Alade, said she hoped prices would remain low during the festive season.
However, a rice farmer and stakeholder who pleaded anonymity, attributed the price drop to the reopening of land borders, which has allowed an increased inflow of rice from neighbouring rice-producing countries.
He disclosed that the development caused a flooding of the market with both imported and locally produced rice, leading to a temporary fall in prices.
The former, however, cautioned that the decline might not be sustainable, warning that prices could surge again before December due to market instability and fluctuating supply levels.
- NAN