Traders at Woru Market in Osogbo, Osun State, have called on the government to take urgent steps to address the rising cost of living, as increasing prices of food and other essential commodities continue to put pressure on households and small businesses.
The rising cost of basic necessities, including food, transportation and housing, has made it increasingly difficult for many Nigerians to meet their daily needs, particularly low-income earners whose earnings have struggled to keep pace with rising expenses.
Speaking with Afinju 90.7 FM correspondent during a visit to Woru Market, the Iyaloja, Abidoye Kehinde Folashade, described the situation as alarming, attributing the persistent increase in prices to inflation, high transportation costs and inadequate purchasing power.
A trader at the market, Akinloye Ramon, said the situation had also affected small businesses, as the rising cost of goods continued to place a strain on both traders and their customers.
He disclosed that a bag of rice now sells for between ₦58,000 and ₦59,000, while a congo of honey beans, popularly known as Ewa Oloyin, costs about ₦3,000.
Ramon appealed to the government to address rising fuel prices, noting that it could help ease the financial burden on citizens and improve economic activities.
Another trader, Madam Bisola Jimoh, also urged the government to introduce practical measures to make essential goods and services more affordable.
The calls come amid wider concerns over the impact of rising living costs on household welfare and the survival of small businesses. Measures such as boosting local food production, supporting small-scale enterprises and implementing policies to stabilise prices have been identified as important steps towards easing the pressure.
For traders at Woru Market, however, the immediate concern remains how to keep their businesses running while ensuring that customers can still afford the goods they need.
They are urging the government to move beyond promises and implement effective measures that will bring meaningful relief to Nigerians.