This is expected to affect the Christmas festivities as there will be little to no money for citizens.
This caution comes from the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN).
The AUFCDN members have highlighted several challenges affecting their operations.
AUFCDN’s National President, Mohammed Tahir, stated that the rising prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel, along with frequent extortion and double taxation on federal highways, are main factors burdening foodstuff transporters.
Tahir disclosed that transporting a trailer-load of rice, beans, corn, and other food items from Sokoto to Port Harcourt costs N2.25 million. A similar expense is incurred when moving goods to other southern regions.
He cautioned that food prices are likely to rise further as the Christmas season nears, intensifying the existing hardships faced by Nigerians.
He said: “The price increase will continue into the New Year.”
Transportation costs have increased by multiple layers of taxation, including levies imposed by local and state government revenue officials, roadblocks by security agencies, and extortion by “agberos” (street hustlers),
Tahir stressed that areas like the South-East, South-South, and parts of the South-West are especially challenging, with reports of drivers and their assistants facing harassment and physical assaults.
He called on the government to take swift action to ease their struggles and maintain the steady distribution of food across the country.
