In a significant demonstration, traders in Kogi state took to the streets of Lokoja on Tuesday to protest against the steep rise in the cost of essential commodities, which has severely impacted their businesses.
The protest, staged at the old market in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi state, saw market men and women expressing their grievances over the exorbitant prices of food items, leading to a decline in patronage and the closure of many shops.
Mrs. Ladi, a rice and beans vendor, highlighted the adverse effects of the soaring prices on her business, citing a significant increase in the cost of rice from N800 to N1700 per mudu. She attributed this spike to the rise in the price of a bag of rice, which surged from N35,000 to N62,000, making it increasingly challenging for traders to turn a profit.
Another trader echoed similar sentiments, expressing disappointment at the lack of commensurate gains despite their efforts to adjust prices. The persistent poor patronage has left traders disheartened, with hopes dwindling for a fruitful trading day.
Mrs. Laruba, who deals in palm oil, bemoaned the collapse of her business due to the escalating costs, lamenting the inability to recoup expenses, which often left customers feeling shortchanged.
Mrs. Adah, a vegetable seller, called on the Federal Government to intervene urgently, as the astronomical rise in food prices has severely strained the budgets of consumers. She emphasized the need for government intervention to alleviate the burden on traders and consumers alike.
The traders collectively appealed for government assistance in subsidizing locally grown commodities to mitigate the impact of rising costs, expressing concerns about the erosion of profits and the challenges in sustaining their livelihoods amidst the current economic climate.
