The prices of yams have surged across major markets in Enugu State, with some varieties recording increases of up to 100 percent, raising concerns among traders and consumers over the rising cost of staple foods.
A market survey conducted in major markets across Enugu metropolis revealed that a medium-sized old yam now sells for between ₦3,000 and ₦5,000, up from ₦2,000 to ₦3,500 recorded in May.
Large-sized yams currently cost between ₦6,000 and ₦10,000, compared to ₦5,000 to ₦7,000 just two months ago, while water yams now sell for between ₦2,000 and ₦6,000 depending on size, against ₦1,000 to ₦4,000 previously.
Traders attributed the sharp increase to a combination of high transportation costs, reduced seasonal supply, rising farming expenses and worsening insecurity affecting food production and distribution.
Speaking at Ogbete Main Market, yam dealer Jude Onunze said the increasing cost of moving farm produce and higher production costs have significantly reduced the availability of yams in markets across Enugu and the South-East.
Another trader at New Market, Mary-Jane Ibe, blamed the situation on insecurity, alleging that many farmers have abandoned their farms for fear of kidnapping.
According to her, a significant proportion of yams sold in the South-East are sourced from northern Nigeria, but insecurity has discouraged many traders from travelling to purchase the commodity directly.
Consumers also lamented the impact of the rising prices on household budgets.
A resident, Patricia Ugonna, said she has drastically reduced her yam purchases and now relies more on alternative staples such as garri, sweet potatoes and rice to feed her family.
Another buyer, James Anigbo, expressed hope that prices would moderate during the peak harvest season but stressed the need for improved security, increased agricultural production and better transportation infrastructure to make staple foods more affordable.
The continued rise in food prices has added to the growing cost-of-living concerns facing many Nigerian households, with consumers calling for urgent measures to improve food security and stabilise market prices.
