Dailyreport
Food carriers, who are part of the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN), have warned that food prices will soar in December as Nigerians experience ever-increasing hardship.Transporters warn of rising food prices in December 2024
Mohammed Tahir, the National President of AUFCDN, told Vanguard that food transporters are being negatively impacted by the growing prices of diesel and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), as well as everyday extortion and double taxation on federal highways.
According to Tahir, it costs N2.25 million to transport one caravan full of rice, beans, maize and other goods from Sokoto to Port Harcourt. Transporting goods to other regions of the South costs the same amount.
He cautioned that as Christmas draws near, food prices will rise, making the already severe hardship Nigerians are experiencing even worse. He went on to say, “The price increase will continue into the New Year.”
Double taxation, which includes additional fees at markets, security firms, “agberos” (street extortionists), and roadblocks erected by local and state government revenue collectors, adds to the high cost of transportation.
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According to Tahir, there have been complaints of drivers and motor-boys being harassed and even beaten in areas like the South-East, South-South, and portions of the South-West, which are particularly problematic.
Despite their crucial role in feeding the country, he also voiced concern that the government has not contacted food transporters to address these problems. He bemoaned, “As significant players in the food system, we have not been invited to discuss our challenges.”
The exorbitant expense of conducting business has caused many union members to cease hauling food. Tahir stated, “How they are surviving is another issue.” “No administration has intervened on behalf of food transporters.”
Tahir underlined that despite the significant challenges, the union does not wish to go on strike because it is aware of the impact it would have on Nigerians who are already at risk. He cautioned that “if we stop transporting foodstuff, it would paralyse the entire country,” and he urged the government to act quickly to ease their load and guarantee the continuous supply of food.
