Lagos: Following the recent increase in the price of beans, traders and consumers in Lagos State have started seeking alternatives to the staple food and protein source.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, they expressed concern over the impact of the price hike in separate interviews on Wednesday in Lagos. Reports indicate that the price of a cup of beans, which sold for about N800 in early April, rose to between N1,200 and N1,300 in August. This increase has forced some consumers to reduce their consumption of beans, while traders who depend on the produce for their businesses are also struggling with rising costs.
A bean-cake (akara) seller on Thompson Street, Costain area of Lagos, Mrs. Eunice David, said the high cost of beans had forced her to manage her resources carefully to remain in business. David mentioned the possibility of switching to frying potatoes and yam if the price of beans continued to rise. She noted that although her customers are dissatisfied with the reduced size of the bean cakes, she would only continue selling if the business remains profitable.
Similarly, Mr. Peter Kalu, a manual labourer on Apapa Road, said he had reduced his consumption of beans and opted for rice and eba with soup because of the rising cost. Kalu explained that beans had been his preferred meal while working on-site, but the recent price increase had made it difficult for him to maintain the habit. He mentioned that he would return to eating beans if the price comes down.
Mrs. Peculiar Igwe, a resident of Opeoluwa Street, Apapa Road, and a lover of bean-based meals, also expressed concern over the rising price. Igwe said she had started using other sources of protein to ensure that her children continued to have adequate protein in their meals. She added that her children love eating beans, but she now substitutes beans in their meals with eggs, beef, chicken, and fish due to the price increase. She expressed hope that they would return to consuming more beans when the price stabilizes.
However, another labourer on Apapa Road, Mr. Qudri Sawo, said the price increase had not stopped him from eating beans regularly. Sawo stated that he preferred beans because they made him feel more satisfied and strengthened him for his daily work. He mentioned that he does not have an alternative to beans because he loves them and will continue to patronize them regardless of the price, but he will only buy what he can afford.