The high cost of food items in Akwa Ibom State has taken the shine off this year’s Christmas celebration as most basic foodstuffs are beyond the reach of many people who have been hard hit by the harsh economy.
THE WHISTLER investigation showed that food items like rice, yam and beans,onions and fish that were sold at affordable prices in the same period last year, have skyrocketed with chicken products recording significant price increases.
For instance, a table size chicken which used to cost N2000 May 223 now goes for N13,000 while the “jumbo’ broilers sells for N35.000 depending on the size.
A resident who travelled to Eket from Mkpat Enin to buy a Christmas chicken for his family was stunned by its high cost and he had to settle for beef.
“I went to Eket for Christmas chicken. It was too expensive,between N20,000 and N30,000 depending on the size,
“I had to buy goat meat, a leg at the cost of N15,000. This country is turning into something else.’’ he said.
At the Ikot Ambang roadside market which is within the suburbs of Uyo metropolis, a middle aged woman selling chickens said the lowest price was N15,000 each, blaming it on the high cost of chicken feed.
Because of the high cost, many of the prospective buyers could not make any purchases as the seller also felt the impact of the harsh economy.
Other food items like rice, plantain and onions were equally expensive as N100 could hardly be used to buy the smallest size annions.
The check also showed that despite plantains being available at the market, it had no direct bearing on the prices as big bunches of plantain sold for between N15.000 and N20,000.
While the prices of yams have also doubled or tripled in Akwa Ibom which gets its staple from the northern states as well as garri from River State, the check further showed that a bag of rice goes for over N100,000 while many of the corporate organisations could only distribute the smallest bags of rices to their employees.
During the last ministerial briefing chaired by Governor Umo Eno, he was quoted as urging well to do individuals to reach out to the less privileged individuals during the yuletide adding that those blessed by God , should bless others in return.
As residents mark this year’s Christmas, one statement that has been repeatedly echoed is the high cost of food items which has left many families worried of what to expect in the new year.
