Some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have lamented the continuous rise in the prices of food items.

The residents who spoke on Saturday in Abuja said they could not adequately stock their homes for the festive season.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Selected Food Prices Watch for February showed that food items such as yam, rice, and beef increased in February.

Christiana Adeyemi, a civil servant, said she had to prioritise her shopping list because she could not afford to buy all she wanted.

“Last week, I bought a kilo of goat meat for N2,500, and now it is N2,800. That is a difference of N300, which I could have added to buy some other items,” she said.

Ngozi Samuel, a public servant and mother of three, said her family could no longer eat a balanced diet because of the prices of food items.

Ms Samuel, however, said the rise in prices was a global issue, but the government needed to find ways to cushion its effects on Nigerians.

“Many people cannot afford to eat a meal a day. That is how bad things have become. It is a difficult time for the country.”

Florence Bassey, a businesswoman and mother of four, said the increase in prices of food was alarming, adding that she could not afford to buy in bulk anymore.

“When I got to the market, I was shocked at the high increase, especially in tomatoes. A big basket used to be N8,000 last month, but it is about N22,000 or even more in some markets.

“Also, pepper, tatashe, and other items like plantains have also increased. The sellers claim it is due to the fasting.”

Paul Kato, a security guard, said the increase in food items was affecting his consumption rate.

“I used to buy a small plate of tomatoes for N100 to N150 in February, and now it is N250 to N300 depending on where you go to buy.

“I appeal to the government to come and help us. Everything is expensive. How can the poor man cope?”

Bukola Adewunmi, a businesswoman, said it had become challenging to do acts of charity because of the high cost of food items.

“But I will love to appeal to well-meaning Nigerians not to be discouraged because these motherless children and the poor need our collective support.

“They need food, drugs, clothing, and a show of love. Let us not stop giving,” she said.

(NAN)