Consumers, traders celebrate sharp drop in grain prices at Bajoga Market, Gombe
Story by Kasim Isa MUHAMMAD
There is relief among residents of Bajoga, the headquarters of Funakaye Local Government Area in Gombe State, as grain prices have recorded a significant decline this week.
Traders and consumers alike confirmed that the fall in prices has made food more accessible, though concerns remain about sustainability as harvest season progresses.
At the popular grain market in Bajoga, staples such as maize, millet, sorghum, beans, and groundnut all saw notable changes.
Old maize, which had been selling at higher rates in previous weeks, is now priced between ₦37,000 and ₦40,000 per bag.
The newly harvested maize has dropped further, with traders offering it between ₦28,000 and ₦32,000. Old millet stands at ₦33,000 to ₦34,000, while new millet is cheaper, ranging from ₦24,000 to ₦27,000.
Sorghum remains relatively stable, selling between ₦24,000 and ₦25,000.
READ ALSO: Grain prices drop significantly in Ngelzarma market, Yobe State
Other essential commodities also followed similar trends. Large white beans are currently sold between ₦73,000 and ₦76,000 per bag, while large red beans are pegged at ₦73,000 to ₦75,000.
Roselle, popularly known as zobo, ranges from ₦20,000 to ₦21,000. Melon is available in two variants, one selling between ₦44,000 and ₦45,000 and another, a cheaper type, going for ₦33,000 to ₦35,000.
However, rice prices continue to challenge consumers. Polished rice is sold at ₦125,000 per bag, while broken or locally processed varieties vary widely depending on quality and source.
Groundnut remains one of the costlier items in the market, with prices hovering between ₦130,000 and ₦135,000.
Speaking to our correspondent, a buyer at the market, Mrs Halima Musa, expressed relief at the recent reductions. “Last month, maize and millet were almost out of reach for ordinary families. Today, I was able to buy two bags for what I used to pay for just one. This will make feeding our household much easier,” she said with a smile.
Traders, on the other hand, had mixed feelings. Some saw the drop as part of the natural harvest cycle, while others feared it might affect their profits. Malam Abdullahi, a long-time grain merchant, explained: “Every harvest season, prices go down because farmers bring in new crops. For now, it is good for buyers, but as sellers, we are worried because our margins are shrinking. Still, we hope to make it up when demand increases later.”
Analysts in the market noted that the fall in prices is linked to ongoing harvests across Gombe and neighbouring states, which have boosted supply.
READ ALSO: Grain prices drop in Potiskum market, Yobe State, residents, traders welcome relief
The return of relative peace in some farming communities has also allowed farmers to transport goods more freely.
However, consumers worry that the relief may be temporary. “We have seen this before,” said Ibrahim Adamu, another resident of Bajoga. “When harvest season is over, prices usually climb again, and the hardship continues. Government needs to find ways of stabilising prices so families are not left at the mercy of market forces.”
For now, the Bajoga grain market is buzzing with activity as households and bulk buyers stock up. Whether these prices remain stable in the coming months will depend on how well harvests hold up and whether transport costs and insecurity stay under control.
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