In a distressing turn of events, the scarcity and surging costs of fish in Nigeria have gripped the nation, leaving communities and businesses in turmoil.
IdanNews in research across Nigeria’s local market gathered that the economic downturn also have a huge negative impact on fish sellers and consumer.
Our correspondent ventured into the bustling cold rooms of Oke-Ado and Oje markets in Ibadan, where they engaged in candid interviews with local fish traders. These traders, both men and women, shared their heartfelt frustrations regarding the dire situation.
They pointed to the skyrocketing prices of fish as a primary concern and placed blame on the fluctuating value of the US dollar as a major contributing factor. In their plea to the government, they urgently requested intervention to stabilize the fish market and make this essential protein source accessible to all.
These traders are thereby calling on the government to address the issue promptly. They argue that measures to stabilize the exchange rate and reduce dependency on the dollar are crucial steps toward mitigating the crisis. As the government evaluates potential solutions, communities across Nigeria remain hopeful for a resolution that will restore both the availability and affordability of fish, ensuring a balanced diet for all.
The hike in fish prices has been a cause for concern among consumers and fish dealers.
According to a fish seller at Oje market, they said the hike in the price of fish was due to the rise of the dollar over the naira.
She said ” Dollar causes the scarcity of fish and increase in its price. The fish is being imported from overseas not that Nigeria deals with fish so the available supply can drive prices higher. Nigeria relies on importation. ”
The manager of a cold room, Mr Adedeji Sanni said people have diverted from fish selling.
“People are leaving fish to sell for other work, we don’t have another means, it’s only this fish selling. The Carton of Titus is now N 80,000 and Mackerel fish has moved from N 28,000 to N 42,000, he said.”
A resident of Lagos state, Olatinwo Rukayat said they will soon adapt to it.
“There’s nothing that occurred in Nigeria that we Nigerians won’t adapt to. You’re going to reduce the quantity of fish you want to get.
” If you’re buying three before, you’re going to reduce it to two. ”
In Abuja, our correspondent gathered that the price of Catfish and other fish had increased.
According to Mr Solomon, he said ” I bought one catfish N2,000 on Monday which I normally get at 1500, he said.”
In Osun, some women told idanNews that fish is also costly in their state.
According to Ogunlana Fatimoh,” Fish is costly here in Osun state too and I’m sure it affects every state, she said.”
