Residents of Jos, the Plateau State capital, are currently experiencing relief in the purchase of most foodstuffs, particularly grains and some root crops, due to a reduction in prices. However, marketers are worried.
A market survey conducted by The Voice in Jos and Mangu local government area revealed that a big bag of Plateau potatoes, also known as Irish potatoes, which was sold for N100,000 in May, now costs between N30,000 and N35,000 in Bukuru market, Jos South local government area.
The price of a full bag had dropped from N100,000 to N65,000 in early July 2025.
Further findings showed that an 80-measures (mudu) size bag of maize, which was sold for N110,000 last year, is now being sold for N35,000 in Mangu and N40,000 in Bukuru and some parts of Jos.
A measure of maize now costs N500 in Jos and Bukuru markets, while it costs N400 in Gindiri and Mangu markets.
Clean white beans, which were sold for N3,200 per mudu, are now being sold for N1,400 to N1,600 in Bukuru market. Polished local rice, which was sold for N3,000 per mudu last year, is now being sold for between N1,700 and N2,000, depending on the location.
Despite the drastic drop in prices, there is still low patronage due to inadequate funds in the pockets of majority of citizens.
Many people have exhausted their savings due to the cost of living in Nigeria after the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu in May 2023.
Marketers who made bulk purchases of grains in large quantities and stored them with the aim of making a profit are currently groaning, running at a loss.
Some major marketers interviewed at Bukuru market in Jos South informed that they obtained loans from banks and purchased the grains at a high rate, but are now selling at a loss.
Peasant farmers who purchased fertilisers at exorbitant rates at the beginning of the farming season this year may also be at a huge loss, particularly potatoes farmers, due to the lack of facilities for Plateau potatoes storage.
