A recent market survey has revealed an increase in the prices of foodstuffs in Osun state as Nigerians groan.

The prices of foodstuff items in the markets have increased ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations, according to a market survey carried out by the News Agency of Nigeria in Osogbo on Thursday.   Traders interviewed during the survey, however, expressed diverse views on possible reasons for the price increase.   Mrs Adejoke Okunowo, a maize distributor at the popular Alekuwodo market, lamented the high cost of transportation for bringing the produce from the northern parts of the country to Osogbo.   She said, “The festive season has affected the cost of maize, hence many consumers are now complaining bitterly during transactions.“If the cost of fuel can be reduced, there will not be any reason for the high cost of transportation and this would affect the cost of the maize generally, as it would be a source of relief to the consumers,’’ she said.   Mr Jacob Olabode, a Rice distributor in Aiyebaju market, also lamented about the sudden increase in the price of rice which many average family members now find discomforting.   According to Olabode, one module of rice which sold for N500 last month now costs N700 each. “The price of a bag of rice, which was formerly N15, 000 is presently N19, 000 and it may even go up again before Dec. 25.“This has affected my business negatively and I cannot wait for the festive period to be over, so that prices will normalise again,’’ he said.   Mrs Aina Adebare, a consumer, complained of the high cost of perishable items in the market, such as: pepper, onions, vegetables and fruits, particularly during festive periods.   She, however, urged government at all levels to always give their employees appropriate incentives and bonuses during such periods, to help them to cushion the expected increase in foodstuff prices.   -NAN