We Can No Longer Eat Beans, Agege Bread Over Rising Prices —Lagos Residents
Lagos Residents Struggle with Rising Prices of Beans and Agege Bread
A recent surge in the cost of beans and Agege bread, staples for many low-income families in Lagos State, has made these once-affordable foods increasingly inaccessible.
FIRST CLASS GISTS reports that this price hike has turned a once-common meal into a luxury for many, forcing residents to make difficult choices. Beans and Agege bread, historically a reliable and nutritious combination, are now beyond the reach of many families, pushing them to seek more expensive alternatives or cut back on other essential expenses.
Beans, known for their high protein and fiber content, have been a key part of the diet for many Nigerians. Paired with Agege bread—a soft loaf named after its Lagos suburb origin—this combination has long been a staple.
Residents of Lagos have expressed their frustrations over the rising costs. For Mrs. Taiwo Ayanfowora, a mother of three, the price of beans has soared from N500 to N2,300 per derica, forcing her family to reduce their consumption. Despite attempts to find cheaper alternatives, Ayanfowora reports that the high costs are impacting her family’s nutrition, particularly for her children.
Student Tunji Uthman shared similar concerns, noting that his daily consumption of beans and Agege bread has been reduced to once a week due to the price hikes. Uthman, along with many of his peers, is struggling to maintain a balanced diet while dealing with rising food costs.
Rildwan Mujaideen has also been affected, stating that the increased prices have compromised his health and forced him to consider relocating to a place with cheaper food options. He is calling on the government to address the escalating food prices.
Mrs. Blessing Adeoye, a widow, has found it increasingly difficult to support her family since her husband’s death. The rising prices of beans and Agege bread have further strained her finances, affecting her ability to provide adequate nutrition for her children.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria in Lagos staged a protest on August 15 against the persistent increase in flour prices. Despite a recent government waiver for wheat, maize, and other commodities, flour prices continue to rise, making it challenging for bakeries to operate. Chief Ayoola Mathew, the association’s chairman, criticized millers for not implementing the waiver, which he believes is contributing to the ongoing food inflation.
Food experts emphasize the nutritional value of beans, which provide essential protein, fiber, and nutrients. However, they acknowledge that alternatives such as tofu, cashews, and groundnuts may serve as substitutes when beans are not affordable.
Registered Nutritionist Mrs. Odunayo Babatunde recommends exploring these alternatives to meet nutritional needs and maintaining a balanced diet. She advises consuming a variety of foods to ensure proper nutrition, especially during times of economic difficulty.
