Cost of living: Garri hits 72k per bag in Jos

Garri, one of Nigeria’s most consumed staples, has hit an all-time high in Jos, Plateau State capital.

The commodity, which used to be one of the most affordable for Nigerian households, is now being sold at N1,100 per measure and N72,000 per 100kg bag.

Some persons Daily Trust spoke with during visit to markets said the commodity has reached its highest point in decades.

Sellers of the Gari at the Katako market explained why price of the community has hit historic high in recent time.

Hassan Maigari, one of the sellers, said, “There are a lot of factors contributing to the hike in the price of the commodity. One is the high demand for garri at the moment because a lot people have resorted to it as substitutes to other varieties of foods that are more expensive. I have been in this business for the past 30 years and I have never experienced this kind of price surge. Today, I sold a bag of 100kg at N72,000.”

Abdullahi Ibrahim, another Garri seller said, “Those who sell the product to us in the farms also contribute to the price hike because processors are deliberately delaying processing the product in order to sell at a higher price, which often results in a surge in demand. That’s why when people say other prices have gone down, therefore, Gari prices should also be reduced, we try to explain to them because they don’t understand the challenges we’re facing.”

The sellers of the product further said the price may increase even higher because it is not yet deep into the rainy season when prices usually surge.

Schools have just resumed and farmers are expected go back to their farms soon.