Stephen Enoch
Residents of Kano State have expressed relief as prices of staple food items and transportation fares remain largely stable ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities, easing the financial pressure that usually accompanies the season.
A survey conducted by Stallion Times from Sunday to Tuesday across major markets in Kano metropolis, including Dawanau, Kurmi, Singer, Yankura, and Yankaba, shows that prices of essential commodities such as cowpea, rice, maize, millet, sorghum, yam, and cooking oil have not recorded significant increases in recent weeks.
Traders attributed the stability to improved supply chains, steady inflow of grains from neighbouring states and increased monitoring by relevant authorities. Many residents say the development offers rare relief after months of sustained inflationary pressure.
Speaking to Stallion Times at Yankura Market, Amaya Faith, a resident of the Kwakwachi area of Fagge Local Government Area (LGA), said prices have remained relatively stable despite the festive demand.
She noted that a 50kg bag of rice, which sold for between N90,000 and N100,000 last year, now goes for about N50,000 to N60,000.
“Things are not as expensive as last year,” she said. “I bought a can of mayonnaise for N2,000, which is the same price as last year.
There are also cheaper brands people can choose instead of the expensive ones.
The only items that are really costly are chicken and turkey. A big chicken sells for about N25,000, while a turkey can go for as much as N100,000.”
A grain merchant at Dawanau Market, Sani Musa, said the current situation contrasts sharply with previous festive periods when prices usually surged.
“There is enough supply in the market, and people are buying only what they need.
“Transport costs from producing areas have also remained moderate, which helps keep prices stable,” he explained.
Food vendors and household shoppers who spoke to our correspondent also welcomed the development, noting that stable prices have enabled families to plan modest celebrations without resorting to excessive borrowing.
Zainab Lawan, a civil servant shopping at Yankaba Market, said the situation has eased anxiety among low- and middle-income earners.
“Even though incomes are still tight, at least food prices are not rising every week. That alone is a big relief for families like ours,” she said.
Amaka Nebani, a resident of Sabon Gari in Fagge LGA, described this year’s festive season as fair compared to previous years when inflation hit harder.
“Prices in the market have not raised eyebrows.
“This festive period is better than last year. People have even been giving me gifts, which shows things are not as bad. I just hope prices will continue to drop,” she said.
Similarly, Naomi Markus, a resident of Hotoro in Tarauni Local Government Area, said the season has been encouraging due to noticeable reductions in some food items.
According to her, onions that use to be scares and expensive is selling at moderate price depending on the market, adding that the price of sweet potatoes has dropped from about N37,000 per bag to around N9,000.
“Items like beans, garri and others have really come down, and this will make the festive season enjoyable,” she said, adding that clothing items remain expensive and expressing hope that prices in that sector would also decline.
A businessman at Sabon Gari Market, Tony Victor, attributed the stability in commodity prices to the slight reduction in the pump price of petrol.
He said inter-state transport fares have also remained stable.
“I travelled to Niger State recently and paid N15,000, and on my return to Kano, I paid N14,000. That is very unusual, and I am happy about it.
“It shows that the reduction in petrol prices has helped to stabilise costs this festive season,” he said.
Transportation costs within Kano metropolis and on inter-state routes have also remained largely unchanged, contrary to the usual festive surge.
Commercial drivers operating from Kofar Ruwa in Dala Local Government Area along the Kano–Kaduna and Kano–Katsina routes told Stallion Times that fares have been maintained due to improved road conditions and the absence of fuel scarcity.
One of the drivers, Abdullahi Kabiru, said transport unions had warned members against arbitrary fare hikes.
“Passengers are many, fuel is available, and security is improving. There is no reason to increase fares unnecessarily,” he said.
However, some residents believe prices could fall further. James Glory, a resident of Jaba, said food prices should drop below current levels given the recent decline in inflation.
“Although prices have reduced, they can be much better,” she said.
She added that transportation costs have not changed significantly compared to last year, but expressed optimism nonetheless.
“I believe prices can crash lower than this. Still, it’s going to be a good Christmas and New Year since prices are not rising.”
Stallion Times observed that the stability may be linked to a combination of improved logistics, relative security along major highways, and increased public awareness against exploitative pricing.
