By Ayomide Otitoju
Rising food prices, transportation costs and other operating expenses are putting increasing pressure on akara and puff-puff sellers, with many traders saying they are struggling to sustain their businesses despite continued demand.
Speaking separately with Trust Africa News, the traders said the soaring cost of beans, flour, cooking oil, gas and other ingredients has significantly reduced their profit margins, forcing them to work harder to earn a living.
An akara seller, Mr. Shedriah, said the cost of production has increased sharply over the years.
According to him, a paint of beans now costs about ₦4,000, while a keg of groundnut oil sells for about ₦10,000. He added that grinding beans costs between ₦2,000 and ₦2,500, while refilling one kilogramme of cooking gas costs about ₦2,000. Other ingredients, including pepper and onions, also attract additional expenses.
He said he sells each piece of akara for ₦100 and earns between ₦45,000 and ₦50,000 weekly, with higher earnings during periods of increased patronage.
Shedriah advised unemployed youths, including graduates, to acquire vocational skills or engage in small businesses instead of remaining idle.
He also urged the government to reduce the prices of fuel and essential commodities to ease the burden on small business owners. According to him, a full bag of beans now costs about ₦120,000, while half a bag sells for around ₦60,000.
Another akara seller, Mrs. Memunat Balogun, said she still makes a profit from the business despite rising operating costs.
She disclosed that she earns between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 weekly, depending on sales. According to her, a bag of beans now costs between ₦150,000 and ₦180,000, while transportation further increases her expenses.
Balogun, who also sells each piece of akara for ₦100, appealed to the government to address the rising cost of goods and provide relief for small-scale traders.
Mr. Amusa Ahmed, who sells akara, fried yam and potatoes, also described the business environment as challenging.
He said he buys beans, cooking gas and yam at significantly higher prices but makes only between ₦700 and ₦800 profit daily. He appealed to the government to implement measures that would reduce the cost of essential commodities.
Mrs. Abibat, a puff-puff seller, lamented the sharp increase in the prices of flour and groundnut oil, saying her profit has dropped considerably compared to previous years.
She said she sells each puff-puff for ₦50 and makes between ₦2,000 and ₦5,000 on good days. According to her, a bag of flour, which sold for about ₦10,000 between 2015 and 2016, now costs between ₦60,000 and ₦65,000.
She also cited fluctuating transportation costs and appealed to the government to implement policies that would reduce the prices of essential commodities.
Another akara seller, Mr. Ali Moses, said the business provides him with a means of survival despite the low returns.
He explained that he makes about ₦5,000 daily, mainly from evening sales, as customer patronage is usually lower in the morning. He sells each piece of akara for ₦50 and noted that grinding beans now costs between ₦1,500 and ₦2,000.
Moses called on the government to empower young people through employment and skills acquisition programmes, saying such initiatives would reduce unemployment and improve livelihoods.
The traders unanimously urged the Federal Government to address inflation, reduce the cost of food items and fuel, and introduce policies that would support small businesses and improve the economic wellbeing of Nigerians.Copyright TRUSTAFRICA NEWS.
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