Traders in Lagos have voiced their concerns regarding the significant decline in food sales, particularly for pepper, attributing the downturn to rising prices and the diminished purchasing power of local residents.

In interviews conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), both traders and consumers shared their experiences regarding patronage as the Sallah celebration approaches.

Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, Chairman of the Tomato Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (Kaduna chapter), linked the situation to the heightened prices of produce and the weakened purchasing capacity of consumers. He stated, “Pepper prices in the north are also steep, with a jumbo 50kg bag reaching as high as N150,000, compared to N60,000 to N70,000 just months ago. This price surge may adversely affect the Sallah festivities, as only a few consumers may afford these products.”

Zuntu further explained, “Currently, we are outside the pepper farming season. Insufficient rainfall has led to a scarcity of this commodity, with only a handful of farmers involved in irrigation. Many will resort to using dried pepper, which is more affordable during this time, although demand remains low. We anticipate an increase in demand as the celebration nears.”

Mrs. Mistura Balogun, a pepper vendor at Lawanson Market in Surulere, echoed these sentiments, noting the unusually low customer turnout. “It’s not just pepper that has become expensive; many other goods have seen price increases as well. Typically, this time of year should see a bustling market, but today is quite different. I have been at my stall since morning, and the number of customers is minimal,” she lamented.

Similarly, Mrs. Mojisola Gbadegesin, another pepper seller at Idi-Araba market, reported a stark decrease in patronage. “Despite the high prices, we usually see customers buying pepper, but this year is different. The market feels deserted, and business is sluggish,” she remarked.

Mrs. Judith Amen, also a foodstuff vendor, highlighted that the rising prices of pepper and other food items are likely to escalate further as the celebrations peak. “At the start of the week, a small bag of scotch bonnet pepper was priced at N70,000, and I expect prices to soar over the weekend due to Sallah. A good quality bag of rice is selling for N85,000, while lower-quality options range from N60,000 to N75,000. Although patronage is currently low, we anticipate an uptick a day before Sallah, but consumers will only purchase what they can afford,” she explained.

Mr. John Nwabueze, a trader in the Agege area, expressed frustration over the lack of customers as Eid celebrations begin. “Sales have been notably low, with people buying only what their budgets allow. The market has been unusually quiet, affecting all commodities, including rice. A 50kg bag of rice is priced between N76,000 and N78,000, yet sales remain sluggish this Sallah,” he noted.

Mrs. Amina Fakunle, a resident of the Alimosho area, remarked that the high cost of pepper would lead consumers to celebrate in a more subdued manner. “Just six pieces of pepper cost about N500, which is the lowest price available. With these prices, people will likely opt for a low-key celebration,” she stated.

Mr. David Oriafo, a resident of the Dopemu area, also commented on the lack of festive activity in the market. “I managed to purchase a few items for my family to save costs, but it’s evident that the usual festive buzz is missing. People are only buying what they can afford, much like myself,” he shared. (NAN)

A Nigerian boxer, Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, has died after slumping during a boxing match in Ghana.

The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Remi Aboderin confirmed the death of the boxer on Sunday.

The 40-year-old boxer, nicknamed “Success”, stumbled to the canvas while fighting Jon Mbanugu, a Ghanian, at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra, on Saturday.

Olanrewaju was not punched or near his opponent when he collapsed violently in round three of the light-heavyweight bout.

The referee called the match immediately, and medical aid was ushered into the ring.

Olarenwaju died after he was rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Ther boxer was a former West African and national light-heavyweight champion.

He competed in 24 bouts with 13 wins, eight losses, and three draws.

In 2022, Chukwuemeka Igboanugo, another boxer, also died after suffering a technical knockout (TKO) in a bout at the National Sports Festival (NSF) in Delta.

Igboanugo died after he took a fatal blow to the nose and did not survive the hit.

President Bola Tinubu has revealed the political calculus behind his decision to approve the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) exit from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

He disclosed that he first asked FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, whether the move would give his party an electoral advantage in the nation’s capital.

Speaking during the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr homage by FCT residents at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu offered an unusually candid account of how the major fiscal reform came about—and the political considerations that shaped it.

“I remember the day Nyesom Wike came to me and said, ‘Please, take us out of this problem of TSA, so that I can do more work, and I achieve more,’” the President recounted.

According to Tinubu, before granting the request, he challenged Wike to explain how the reform would benefit not just governance but also his political interests.

“Then I said, ‘Okay, tell me what you’re about to do.’ And he presented it. And I threw in my own political guide. I said, ‘Would that give me any opportunity for my party to win the election in FCT?’”

The President, referencing the political dynamic between Wike—a member of the opposition—and himself, continued: “I said, ‘I know where you are coming from—your own party or my party. If this thing goes too much in your own favour, you will lose your job.’ Then he said, ‘Okay, we settle that, Oga.’”

President Tinubu also declared that hunger is reducing, security is improving, and Nigeria is beginning to feel the results of his administration’s reforms.

Tinubu attributed part of the visible progress in the FCT to the efforts of Minister Wike.

The President, who expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful completion of Ramadan, said Nigerians are starting to experience relief across several sectors.

“We are living in peace, and security is improving. There is satisfaction in our output. The hunger is coming down. Food prices lowering. We are able to go to the market and do business,” he said.

While addressing the diverse delegation from the FCT, Tinubu praised the spirit of discipline, prayer, and compassion exhibited during the holy month of Ramadan.

He urged Nigerians to carry those values into everyday life, especially in caring for the less privileged.

“We must continue to share. We must remember the orphanages, the widows, the have-nots—believing that we can share both in joy and in times of need,” he said.

Turning his attention to developments within the FCT, President Tinubu applauded Wike, for bringing progressive ideas and executing key projects.

He cited the revival of abandoned infrastructure, the rehabilitation of health centers and schools, and the modernization of public services.

“We wouldn’t have been able to open our mouth to even celebrate if not for the progressive ideas you have given,” Tinubu told Wike. “The health facilities are being upgraded, our teachers and schools are being rehabilitated. Thank you, Wike.”

He also commended Wike’s performance as a southerner effectively managing affairs in the heart of northern Nigeria.

“That is a very good reflection of our diversity that we must use for our prosperity,” the President noted.

In his remarks, Wike congratulated the President and the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the 30-day fast, describing the holy month as a season that instills values of sacrifice, self-discipline, compassion, and unity—values he said align with the President’s leadership style.

“This visit marks a historic moment,” Wike noted. “It is the first time residents of the FCT have had the opportunity to extend our greetings and best wishes to you in person during this blessed period. We are truly delighted to be here.”

Highlighting the developmental strides achieved under Tinubu’s administration, Wike praised the President’s support in enabling key institutional reforms in the FCT.

He cited the FCTA’s exit from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission, the establishment of new Mandate Secretariats for Women and Youths, and the appointment of Permanent Secretaries as landmark steps that have strengthened governance and service delivery in the territory.

“None of these significant strides would have been possible without your commitment to the well-being of the FCT and its residents,” Wike said.

He further affirmed the FCT Administration’s unwavering loyalty to the Tinubu-led government and reiterated its full commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the delegation that accompanied him to the Villa represented the rich diversity of the FCT—spanning religious, political, and traditional leaders, heads of security agencies, civil servants, members of the media, and everyday residents.

“Despite our different backgrounds, we are united in our unwavering support for your administration. This unity demonstrates our collective commitment to national progress under your visionary leadership,” the Minister added.

Wike also disclosed that the FCT is preparing an array of impactful projects for commissioning as President Tinubu’s second anniversary in office approaches.

These projects, he said, are focused on infrastructure development, improved economic opportunities, and enhanced quality of life for FCT residents.

“We still recall with gratitude your physical presence at five of the nine projects commissioned during your first anniversary. We now look forward to hosting Your Excellency again to witness firsthand the tangible progress made over the past 12 months,” Wike said.

Concluding his address, the FCT Minister offered prayers for the President, the First Lady, and the entire First Family, wishing them good health, wisdom, and divine guidance.

“May this Eid bring peace, prosperity, and continued progress to our nation,” he said.