Recession: Nigerians continue to groan over prices of goods

– The predictions that the prices of goods in the market would drop before the end of the year may have been wrongly done

– A survey conducted by ohigabriel.blogspot.com.ng  shows the persistent price increase of some food items like rice, vegetable oil, palm-oil, perishable items and wares in Ojodu Retail market, Berger & Jakande market, Ikosi, Ketu

– Consumers, traders have therefore pleaded for government’s intervention

– ohigabriel.blogspot.com.ng  presents a table showing the prices of the goods before and now

Market men and women have continued to cry out over the unending crisis rocking the citizens following the consistent increase in prices of goods in the market.

The recent drop in the value of the naira and the ban placed on some imported food items have been identified as some of the reasons for the untold hardship Nigerians have been exposed to in recent months as people can no longer afford the goods in the market.

A visit to Ojodu retail market and Jakande market by ohigabriel.blogspot.com.ng  shows an increase in the price of some goods and food items that are imported and a sharp increase of other local food items that are brought into the market.

According to those who spoke with our correspondent, the present economic crisis the country is experiencing is also a reason for the unprecedented challenges rocking the common man.

Insecurity and foreign exchange rate may have forced the prices of tomatoes, fresh pepper, onion and other food items to rise by about 20 percent.

At Ojodu market, the prices of the various brands of rice, which previously sold at N12, 500 now sells for ‎N16, 000 upwards.

Mrs Chinyere, a trader who sells ingredients like tomato paste, sauce, spices, maggi cubes, said the rise in dollar led to the increase in the price of the items.

“The price of tomato paste has increased lately. A carton of Gino tomato paste before was sold for N2,800 but now sells for N3,200 while a carton of Tastytom that cost N2,650 before now sells for N3,000. A sachet that was sold for N50 has increased to N70.

“Also, the materials used in preserving tomato paste and other ingredients imported into the country, are very expensive now. We are managing; buyers no longer buy as usual. We beg them to buy from us because of the hike in the price of the items they demand sometimes,” she groaned.

– The predictions that the prices of goods in the market would drop before the end of the year may have been wrongly done

– A survey conducted by ohigabriel.blogspot.com.ng shows the persistent price increase of some food items like rice, vegetable oil, palm-oil, perishable items and wares in Ojodu Retail market, Berger & Jakande market, Ikosi, Ketu

– Consumers, traders have therefore pleaded for government’s intervention

– We Ohigabriel.blogspot.com.ng  presents a table showing the prices of the goods before and now

Market men and women have continued to cry out over the unending crisis rocking the citizens following the consistent increase in prices of goods in the market.

The recent drop in the value of the naira and the ban placed on some imported food items have been identified as some of the reasons for the untold hardship Nigerians have been exposed to in recent months as people can no longer afford the goods in the market.

A visit to Ojodu retail market and Jakande market by ohigabriel.blogspot.com.ng  shows an increase in the price of some goods and food items that are imported and a sharp increase of other local food items that are brought into the market.

According to those who spoke with our correspondent, the present economic crisis the country is experiencing is also a reason for the unprecedented challenges rocking the common man.

Insecurity and foreign exchange rate may have forced the prices of tomatoes, fresh pepper, onion and other food items to rise by about 20 percent.

At Ojodu market, the prices of the various brands of rice, which previously sold at N12, 500 now sells for ‎N16, 000 upwards.

Mrs Chinyere, a trader who sells ingredients like tomato paste, sauce, spices, maggi cubes, said the rise in dollar led to the increase in the price of the items.

“The price of tomato paste has increased lately. A carton of Gino tomato paste before was sold for N2,800 but now sells for N3,200 while a carton of Tastytom that cost N2,650 before now sells for N3,000. A sachet that was sold for N50 has increased to N70.

“Also, the materials used in preserving tomato paste and other ingredients imported into the country, are very expensive now. We are managing; buyers no longer buy as usual. We beg them to buy from us because of the hike in the price of the items they demand sometimes,” she groaned.

One of the stands at the Ojodu retail market in Lagos where traders lamented badly about the prices of goods. Photo: Esther Odili
Another trader identified as Iya Memunat, who sells jewelry, purse, nail polish, and beauty products laments on low patronage.

She said: “Things are very expensive now. The amount we use to purchase these products has gone so high that we no longer make profits as usual. We record low sales now. And this has restricted us to buying few products, thereby making us loose customers who come and do not get what they demand.

“The higher the price of the product, the lower the profit we make. Presently, we are suffering. Government should do something fast.”

The increase in the price of livestock, according to Baba Blessing, a butcher in the market, is down to the insecurity in the north-east and cost of transporting cows from other parts of the country to Lagos state.

“The attack by the terrorist group (Boko Haram), the cost of transporting the cow’s not only from the northern part of the country, but from neighbouring countries to Nigeria, led to the increase in the purchase of cow (meat/beef).

– The predictions that the prices of goods in the market would drop before the end of the year may have been wrongly done

– A survey conducted by NAIJ.com shows the persistent price increase of some food items like rice, vegetable oil, palm-oil, perishable items and wares in Ojodu Retail market, Berger & Jakande market, Ikosi, Ketu

– Consumers, traders have therefore pleaded for government’s intervention

– NAIJ.com presents a table showing the prices of the goods before and now

Market men and women have continued to cry out over the unending crisis rocking the citizens following the consistent increase in prices of goods in the market.

The recent drop in the value of the naira and the ban placed on some imported food items have been identified as some of the reasons for the untold hardship Nigerians have been exposed to in recent months as people can no longer afford the goods in the market.

A visit to Ojodu retail market and Jakande market by NAIJ.com shows an increase in the price of some goods and food items that are imported and a sharp increase of other local food items that are brought into the market.

According to those who spoke with our correspondent, the present economic crisis the country is experiencing is also a reason for the unprecedented challenges rocking the common man.

Insecurity and foreign exchange rate may have forced the prices of tomatoes, fresh pepper, onion and other food items to rise by about 20 percent.

At Ojodu market, the prices of the various brands of rice, which previously sold at N12, 500 now sells for ‎N16, 000 upwards.

Mrs Chinyere, a trader who sells ingredients like tomato paste, sauce, spices, maggi cubes, said the rise in dollar led to the increase in the price of the items.

“The price of tomato paste has increased lately. A carton of Gino tomato paste before was sold for N2,800 but now sells for N3,200 while a carton of Tastytom that cost N2,650 before now sells for N3,000. A sachet that was sold for N50 has increased to N70.

“Also, the materials used in preserving tomato paste and other ingredients imported into the country, are very expensive now. We are managing; buyers no longer buy as usual. We beg them to buy from us because of the hike in the price of the items they demand sometimes,” she groaned.

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One of the stands at the Ojodu retail market in Lagos where traders lamented badly about the prices of goods. Photo: Esther Odili
Another trader identified as Iya Memunat, who sells jewelry, purse, nail polish, and beauty products laments on low patronage.

She said: “Things are very expensive now. The amount we use to purchase these products has gone so high that we no longer make profits as usual. We record low sales now. And this has restricted us to buying few products, thereby making us loose customers who come and do not get what they demand.

“The higher the price of the product, the lower the profit we make. Presently, we are suffering. Government should do something fast.”

The increase in the price of livestock, according to Baba Blessing, a butcher in the market, is down to the insecurity in the north-east and cost of transporting cows from other parts of the country to Lagos state.

“The attack by the terrorist group (Boko Haram), the cost of transporting the cow’s not only from the northern part of the country, but from neighbouring countries to Nigeria, led to the increase in the purchase of cow (meat/beef).


The stall where groundnut and palm oil are being sold inside the market. Photo: Esther Odili
“There is no fixed price of cow now. But often times we buy it is expensive which makes us record low profit after sales. Sometimes we end up in debt. The price now ranges from N80,000, N100,000 and N150,000 upwards. We just hope things will not continue like this, because we sell to customers at a price that is not favourable to us, so we will not lose completely,” he told our correspondent.

– The predictions that the prices of goods in the market would drop before the end of the year may have been wrongly done

– A survey conducted by NAIJ.com shows the persistent price increase of some food items like rice, vegetable oil, palm-oil, perishable items and wares in Ojodu Retail market, Berger & Jakande market, Ikosi, Ketu

– Consumers, traders have therefore pleaded for government’s intervention

– NAIJ.com presents a table showing the prices of the goods before and now

Market men and women have continued to cry out over the unending crisis rocking the citizens following the consistent increase in prices of goods in the market.

The recent drop in the value of the naira and the ban placed on some imported food items have been identified as some of the reasons for the untold hardship Nigerians have been exposed to in recent months as people can no longer afford the goods in the market.

A visit to Ojodu retail market and Jakande market by NAIJ.com shows an increase in the price of some goods and food items that are imported and a sharp increase of other local food items that are brought into the market.

According to those who spoke with our correspondent, the present economic crisis the country is experiencing is also a reason for the unprecedented challenges rocking the common man.

Insecurity and foreign exchange rate may have forced the prices of tomatoes, fresh pepper, onion and other food items to rise by about 20 percent.

At Ojodu market, the prices of the various brands of rice, which previously sold at N12, 500 now sells for ‎N16, 000 upwards.

Mrs Chinyere, a trader who sells ingredients like tomato paste, sauce, spices, maggi cubes, said the rise in dollar led to the increase in the price of the items.

“The price of tomato paste has increased lately. A carton of Gino tomato paste before was sold for N2,800 but now sells for N3,200 while a carton of Tastytom that cost N2,650 before now sells for N3,000. A sachet that was sold for N50 has increased to N70.

“Also, the materials used in preserving tomato paste and other ingredients imported into the country, are very expensive now. We are managing; buyers no longer buy as usual. We beg them to buy from us because of the hike in the price of the items they demand sometimes,” she groaned.

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One of the stands at the Ojodu retail market in Lagos where traders lamented badly about the prices of goods. Photo: Esther Odili
Another trader identified as Iya Memunat, who sells jewelry, purse, nail polish, and beauty products laments on low patronage.

She said: “Things are very expensive now. The amount we use to purchase these products has gone so high that we no longer make profits as usual. We record low sales now. And this has restricted us to buying few products, thereby making us loose customers who come and do not get what they demand.

“The higher the price of the product, the lower the profit we make. Presently, we are suffering. Government should do something fast.”

The increase in the price of livestock, according to Baba Blessing, a butcher in the market, is down to the insecurity in the north-east and cost of transporting cows from other parts of the country to Lagos state.

“The attack by the terrorist group (Boko Haram), the cost of transporting the cow’s not only from the northern part of the country, but from neighbouring countries to Nigeria, led to the increase in the purchase of cow (meat/beef).


The stall where groundnut and palm oil are being sold inside the market. Photo: Esther Odili
“There is no fixed price of cow now. But often times we buy it is expensive which makes us record low profit after sales. Sometimes we end up in debt. The price now ranges from N80,000, N100,000 and N150,000 upwards. We just hope things will not continue like this, because we sell to customers at a price that is not favourable to us, so we will not lose completely,” he told our correspondent.
“The rise in dollar has affected the price of books lately. Even though they are manufactured in Nigeria, the materials used to make them are sourced abroad. This then makes it more expensive. The production process is carried out here in Nigeria but the materials are bought abroad.”– The predictions that the prices of goods in the market would drop before the end of the year may have been wrongly done

– A survey conducted by ohigabriel.blogspot.com.ng  shows the persistent price increase of some food items like rice, vegetable oil, palm-oil, perishable items and wares in Ojodu Retail market, Berger & Jakande market, Ikosi, Ketu

– Consumers, traders have therefore pleaded for government’s intervention

– ohigabriel.blogspot.com.ng  presents a table showing the prices of the goods before and now

Market men and women have continued to cry out over the unending crisis rocking the citizens following the consistent increase in prices of goods in the market.

The recent drop in the value of the naira and the ban placed on some imported food items have been identified as some of the reasons for the untold hardship Nigerians have been exposed to in recent months as people can no longer afford the goods in the market.

A visit to Ojodu retail market and Jakande market by ohigabriel.blogspot.com.ng  shows an increase in the price of some goods and food items that are imported and a sharp increase of other local food items that are brought into the market.

According to those who spoke with our correspondent, the present economic crisis the country is experiencing is also a reason for the unprecedented challenges rocking the common man.

Insecurity and foreign exchange rate may have forced the prices of tomatoes, fresh pepper, onion and other food items to rise by about 20 percent.

At Ojodu market, the prices of the various brands of rice, which previously sold at N12, 500 now sells for ‎N16, 000 upwards.

Mrs Chinyere, a trader who sells ingredients like tomato paste, sauce, spices, maggi cubes, said the rise in dollar led to the increase in the price of the items.

“The price of tomato paste has increased lately. A carton of Gino tomato paste before was sold for N2,800 but now sells for N3,200 while a carton of Tastytom that cost N2,650 before now sells for N3,000. A sachet that was sold for N50 has increased to N70.

“Also, the materials used in preserving tomato paste and other ingredients imported into the country, are very expensive now. We are managing; buyers no longer buy as usual. We beg them to buy from us because of the hike in the price of the items they demand sometimes,” she groaned.
– The predictions that the prices of goods in the market would drop before the end of the year may have been wrongly done

– A survey conducted by ohigabriel.blogspot.com.ng shows the persistent price increase of some food items like rice, vegetable oil, palm-oil, perishable items and wares in Ojodu Retail market, Berger & Jakande market, Ikosi, Ketu

– Consumers, traders have therefore pleaded for government’s intervention

– We Ohigabriel.blogspot.com.ng  presents a table showing the prices of the goods before and now

Market men and women have continued to cry out over the unending crisis rocking the citizens following the consistent increase in prices of goods in the market.

The recent drop in the value of the naira and the ban placed on some imported food items have been identified as some of the reasons for the untold hardship Nigerians have been exposed to in recent months as people can no longer afford the goods in the market.

A visit to Ojodu retail market and Jakande market by ohigabriel.blogspot.com.ng  shows an increase in the price of some goods and food items that are imported and a sharp increase of other local food items that are brought into the market.

According to those who spoke with our correspondent, the present economic crisis the country is experiencing is also a reason for the unprecedented challenges rocking the common man.

Insecurity and foreign exchange rate may have forced the prices of tomatoes, fresh pepper, onion and other food items to rise by about 20 percent.

At Ojodu market, the prices of the various brands of rice, which previously sold at N12, 500 now sells for ‎N16, 000 upwards.

Mrs Chinyere, a trader who sells ingredients like tomato paste, sauce, spices, maggi cubes, said the rise in dollar led to the increase in the price of the items.

“The price of tomato paste has increased lately. A carton of Gino tomato paste before was sold for N2,800 but now sells for N3,200 while a carton of Tastytom that cost N2,650 before now sells for N3,000. A sachet that was sold for N50 has increased to N70.

“Also, the materials used in preserving tomato paste and other ingredients imported into the country, are very expensive now. We are managing; buyers no longer buy as usual. We beg them to buy from us because of the hike in the price of the items they demand sometimes,” she groaned.

One of the stands at the Ojodu retail market in Lagos where traders lamented badly about the prices of goods. Photo: Esther Odili
Another trader identified as Iya Memunat, who sells jewelry, purse, nail polish, and beauty products laments on low patronage.

She said: “Things are very expensive now. The amount we use to purchase these products has gone so high that we no longer make profits as usual. We record low sales now. And this has restricted us to buying few products, thereby making us loose customers who come and do not get what they demand.

“The higher the price of the product, the lower the profit we make. Presently, we are suffering. Government should do something fast.”

The increase in the price of livestock, according to Baba Blessing, a butcher in the market, is down to the insecurity in the north-east and cost of transporting cows from other parts of the country to Lagos state.

“The attack by the terrorist group (Boko Haram), the cost of transporting the cow’s not only from the northern part of the country, but from neighbouring countries to Nigeria, led to the increase in the purchase of cow (meat/beef).
– The predictions that the prices of goods in the market would drop before the end of the year may have been wrongly done

– A survey conducted by NAIJ.com shows the persistent price increase of some food items like rice, vegetable oil, palm-oil, perishable items and wares in Ojodu Retail market, Berger & Jakande market, Ikosi, Ketu

– Consumers, traders have therefore pleaded for government’s intervention

– NAIJ.com presents a table showing the prices of the goods before and now

Market men and women have continued to cry out over the unending crisis rocking the citizens following the consistent increase in prices of goods in the market.

The recent drop in the value of the naira and the ban placed on some imported food items have been identified as some of the reasons for the untold hardship Nigerians have been exposed to in recent months as people can no longer afford the goods in the market.

A visit to Ojodu retail market and Jakande market by NAIJ.com shows an increase in the price of some goods and food items that are imported and a sharp increase of other local food items that are brought into the market.

According to those who spoke with our correspondent, the present economic crisis the country is experiencing is also a reason for the unprecedented challenges rocking the common man.

Insecurity and foreign exchange rate may have forced the prices of tomatoes, fresh pepper, onion and other food items to rise by about 20 percent.

At Ojodu market, the prices of the various brands of rice, which previously sold at N12, 500 now sells for ‎N16, 000 upwards.

Mrs Chinyere, a trader who sells ingredients like tomato paste, sauce, spices, maggi cubes, said the rise in dollar led to the increase in the price of the items.

“The price of tomato paste has increased lately. A carton of Gino tomato paste before was sold for N2,800 but now sells for N3,200 while a carton of Tastytom that cost N2,650 before now sells for N3,000. A sachet that was sold for N50 has increased to N70.

“Also, the materials used in preserving tomato paste and other ingredients imported into the country, are very expensive now. We are managing; buyers no longer buy as usual. We beg them to buy from us because of the hike in the price of the items they demand sometimes,” she groaned.

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One of the stands at the Ojodu retail market in Lagos where traders lamented badly about the prices of goods. Photo: Esther Odili
Another trader identified as Iya Memunat, who sells jewelry, purse, nail polish, and beauty products laments on low patronage.

She said: “Things are very expensive now. The amount we use to purchase these products has gone so high that we no longer make profits as usual. We record low sales now. And this has restricted us to buying few products, thereby making us loose customers who come and do not get what they demand.

“The higher the price of the product, the lower the profit we make. Presently, we are suffering. Government should do something fast.”

The increase in the price of livestock, according to Baba Blessing, a butcher in the market, is down to the insecurity in the north-east and cost of transporting cows from other parts of the country to Lagos state.

“The attack by the terrorist group (Boko Haram), the cost of transporting the cow’s not only from the northern part of the country, but from neighbouring countries to Nigeria, led to the increase in the purchase of cow (meat/beef).


The stall where groundnut and palm oil are being sold inside the market. Photo: Esther Odili
“There is no fixed price of cow now. But often times we buy it is expensive which makes us record low profit after sales. Sometimes we end up in debt. The price now ranges from N80,000, N100,000 and N150,000 upwards. We just hope things will not continue like this, because we sell to customers at a price that is not favourable to us, so we will not lose completely,” he told our correspondent.
– The predictions that the prices of goods in the market would drop before the end of the year may have been wrongly done

– A survey conducted by NAIJ.com shows the persistent price increase of some food items like rice, vegetable oil, palm-oil, perishable items and wares in Ojodu Retail market, Berger & Jakande market, Ikosi, Ketu

– Consumers, traders have therefore pleaded for government’s intervention

– NAIJ.com presents a table showing the prices of the goods before and now

Market men and women have continued to cry out over the unending crisis rocking the citizens following the consistent increase in prices of goods in the market.

The recent drop in the value of the naira and the ban placed on some imported food items have been identified as some of the reasons for the untold hardship Nigerians have been exposed to in recent months as people can no longer afford the goods in the market.

A visit to Ojodu retail market and Jakande market by NAIJ.com shows an increase in the price of some goods and food items that are imported and a sharp increase of other local food items that are brought into the market.

According to those who spoke with our correspondent, the present economic crisis the country is experiencing is also a reason for the unprecedented challenges rocking the common man.

Insecurity and foreign exchange rate may have forced the prices of tomatoes, fresh pepper, onion and other food items to rise by about 20 percent.

At Ojodu market, the prices of the various brands of rice, which previously sold at N12, 500 now sells for ‎N16, 000 upwards.

Mrs Chinyere, a trader who sells ingredients like tomato paste, sauce, spices, maggi cubes, said the rise in dollar led to the increase in the price of the items.

“The price of tomato paste has increased lately. A carton of Gino tomato paste before was sold for N2,800 but now sells for N3,200 while a carton of Tastytom that cost N2,650 before now sells for N3,000. A sachet that was sold for N50 has increased to N70.

“Also, the materials used in preserving tomato paste and other ingredients imported into the country, are very expensive now. We are managing; buyers no longer buy as usual. We beg them to buy from us because of the hike in the price of the items they demand sometimes,” she groaned.

One of the stands at the Ojodu retail market in Lagos where traders lamented badly about the prices of goods. Photo: Esther Odili
Another trader identified as Iya Memunat, who sells jewelry, purse, nail polish, and beauty products laments on low patronage.

She said: “Things are very expensive now. The amount we use to purchase these products has gone so high that we no longer make profits as usual. We record low sales now. And this has restricted us to buying few products, thereby making us loose customers who come and do not get what they demand.

“The higher the price of the product, the lower the profit we make. Presently, we are suffering. Government should do something fast.”

The increase in the price of livestock, according to Baba Blessing, a butcher in the market, is down to the insecurity in the north-east and cost of transporting cows from other parts of the country to Lagos state.

“The attack by the terrorist group (Boko Haram), the cost of transporting the cow’s not only from the northern part of the country, but from neighbouring countries to Nigeria, led to the increase in the purchase of cow (meat/beef).


The stall where groundnut and palm oil are being sold inside the market. Photo: Esther Odili
“There is no fixed price of cow now. But often times we buy it is expensive which makes us record low profit after sales. Sometimes we end up in debt. The price now ranges from N80,000, N100,000 and N150,000 upwards. We just hope things will not continue like this, because we sell to customers at a price that is not favourable to us, so we will not lose completely,” he told our correspondent.
“The rise in dollar has affected the price of books lately. Even though they are manufactured in Nigeria, the materials used to make them are sourced abroad. This then makes it more expensive. The production process is carried out here in Nigeria but the materials are bought abroad.”– The predictions that the prices of goods in the market would drop before the end of the year may have been wrongly done

– A survey conducted by NAIJ.com shows the persistent price increase of some food items like rice, vegetable oil, palm-oil, perishable items and wares in Ojodu Retail market, Berger & Jakande market, Ikosi, Ketu

– Consumers, traders have therefore pleaded for government’s intervention

– NAIJ.com presents a table showing the prices of the goods before and now

Market men and women have continued to cry out over the unending crisis rocking the citizens following the consistent increase in prices of goods in the market.

The recent drop in the value of the naira and the ban placed on some imported food items have been identified as some of the reasons for the untold hardship Nigerians have been exposed to in recent months as people can no longer afford the goods in the market.

A visit to Ojodu retail market and Jakande market by NAIJ.com shows an increase in the price of some goods and food items that are imported and a sharp increase of other local food items that are brought into the market.

According to those who spoke with our correspondent, the present economic crisis the country is experiencing is also a reason for the unprecedented challenges rocking the common man.

Insecurity and foreign exchange rate may have forced the prices of tomatoes, fresh pepper, onion and other food items to rise by about 20 percent.

At Ojodu market, the prices of the various brands of rice, which previously sold at N12, 500 now sells for ‎N16, 000 upwards.

Mrs Chinyere, a trader who sells ingredients like tomato paste, sauce, spices, maggi cubes, said the rise in dollar led to the increase in the price of the items.

“The price of tomato paste has increased lately. A carton of Gino tomato paste before was sold for N2,800 but now sells for N3,200 while a carton of Tastytom that cost N2,650 before now sells for N3,000. A sachet that was sold for N50 has increased to N70.

“Also, the materials used in preserving tomato paste and other ingredients imported into the country, are very expensive now. We are managing; buyers no longer buy as usual. We beg them to buy from us because of the hike in the price of the items they demand sometimes,” she groaned.

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One of the stands at the Ojodu retail market in Lagos where traders lamented badly about the prices of goods. Photo: Esther Odili
Another trader identified as Iya Memunat, who sells jewelry, purse, nail polish, and beauty products laments on low patronage.

She said: “Things are very expensive now. The amount we use to purchase these products has gone so high that we no longer make profits as usual. We record low sales now. And this has restricted us to buying few products, thereby making us loose customers who come and do not get what they demand.

“The higher the price of the product, the lower the profit we make. Presently, we are suffering. Government should do something fast.”

The increase in the price of livestock, according to Baba Blessing, a butcher in the market, is down to the insecurity in the north-east and cost of transporting cows from other parts of the country to Lagos state.

“The attack by the terrorist group (Boko Haram), the cost of transporting the cow’s not only from the northern part of the country, but from neighbouring countries to Nigeria, led to the increase in the purchase of cow (meat/beef).


The stall where groundnut and palm oil are being sold inside the market. Photo: Esther Odili
“There is no fixed price of cow now. But often times we buy it is expensive which makes us record low profit after sales. Sometimes we end up in debt. The price now ranges from N80,000, N100,000 and N150,000 upwards. We just hope things will not continue like this, because we sell to customers at a price that is not favourable to us, so we will not lose completely,” he told our correspondent.– The predictions that the prices of goods in the market would drop before the end of the year may have been wrongly done

– A survey conducted by NAIJ.com shows the persistent price increase of some food items like rice, vegetable oil, palm-oil, perishable items and wares in Ojodu Retail market, Berger & Jakande market, Ikosi, Ketu

– Consumers, traders have therefore pleaded for government’s intervention

– NAIJ.com presents a table showing the prices of the goods before and now

Market men and women have continued to cry out over the unending crisis rocking the citizens following the consistent increase in prices of goods in the market.

The recent drop in the value of the naira and the ban placed on some imported food items have been identified as some of the reasons for the untold hardship Nigerians have been exposed to in recent months as people can no longer afford the goods in the market.

A visit to Ojodu retail market and Jakande market by NAIJ.com shows an increase in the price of some goods and food items that are imported and a sharp increase of other local food items that are brought into the market.

According to those who spoke with our correspondent, the present economic crisis the country is experiencing is also a reason for the unprecedented challenges rocking the common man.

Insecurity and foreign exchange rate may have forced the prices of tomatoes, fresh pepper, onion and other food items to rise by about 20 percent.

At Ojodu market, the prices of the various brands of rice, which previously sold at N12, 500 now sells for ‎N16, 000 upwards.

Mrs Chinyere, a trader who sells ingredients like tomato paste, sauce, spices, maggi cubes, said the rise in dollar led to the increase in the price of the items.

“The price of tomato paste has increased lately. A carton of Gino tomato paste before was sold for N2,800 but now sells for N3,200 while a carton of Tastytom that cost N2,650 before now sells for N3,000. A sachet that was sold for N50 has increased to N70.

“Also, the materials used in preserving tomato paste and other ingredients imported into the country, are very expensive now. We are managing; buyers no longer buy as usual. We beg them to buy from us because of the hike in the price of the items they demand sometimes,” she groaned.

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One of the stands at the Ojodu retail market in Lagos where traders lamented badly about the prices of goods. Photo: Esther Odili
Another trader identified as Iya Memunat, who sells jewelry, purse, nail polish, and beauty products laments on low patronage.

She said: “Things are very expensive now. The amount we use to purchase these products has gone so high that we no longer make profits as usual. We record low sales now. And this has restricted us to buying few products, thereby making us loose customers who come and do not get what they demand.

“The higher the price of the product, the lower the profit we make. Presently, we are suffering. Government should do something fast.”

The increase in the price of livestock, according to Baba Blessing, a butcher in the market, is down to the insecurity in the north-east and cost of transporting cows from other parts of the country to Lagos state.

“The attack by the terrorist group (Boko Haram), the cost of transporting the cow’s not only from the northern part of the country, but from neighbouring countries to Nigeria, led to the increase in the purchase of cow (meat/beef).

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The stall where groundnut and palm oil are being sold inside the market. Photo: Esther Odili
“There is no fixed price of cow now. But often times we buy it is expensive which makes us record low profit after sales. Sometimes we end up in debt. The price now ranges from N80,000, N100,000 and N150,000 upwards. We just hope things will not continue like this, because we sell to customers at a price that is not favourable to us, so we will not lose completely,” he told our correspondent.

Nigeria Disease

Barely one week after raising awareness about the cardiovascular heart disease that kills rapidly, a leading healthcare system company has proffered a solution to the dreaded ailment.

A report by the Philips in partnership with the World Heart Federation (WHF) had shown that disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, with over 17.5 million losing their lives in 2015 alone, while it also added that about 55 percent of Nigerians were ignorant of the disease.

But, the company, during the Medic West Africa conference in Lagos, revealed a portfolio of data driven technologies that could help with early diagnosis and treatment.

In a chat with NAIJ.com on Thursday, George Udukwu, the business development manager of the company revealed that cardiovascular heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, many times these are preventable in a certain way.

“We see that the level of awareness in terms of healthy living is reaching an unprecedented level. Within our company, we are putting the right technology in the hands of the people to take control of their health. Make the right decisions and take care of themselves.

Barely one week after raising awareness about the cardiovascular heart disease that kills rapidly, a leading healthcare system company has proffered a solution to the dreaded ailment.

A report by the Philips in partnership with the World Heart Federation (WHF) had shown that disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, with over 17.5 million losing their lives in 2015 alone, while it also added that about 55 percent of Nigerians were ignorant of the disease.

But, the company, during the Medic West Africa conference in Lagos, revealed a portfolio of data driven technologies that could help with early diagnosis and treatment.

In a chat with NAIJ.com on Thursday, George Udukwu, the business development manager of the company revealed that cardiovascular heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, many times these are preventable in a certain way.

“We see that the level of awareness in terms of healthy living is reaching an unprecedented level. Within our company, we are putting the right technology in the hands of the people to take control of their health. Make the right decisions and take care of themselves.

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George Udukwu, Business Development Manager, Philips Health system.

“Our approach is what we call the continuum of care approach. That means that we have solutions that are relevant across the various continuum of care; from healthy living to prevention, to diagnosis and treatment. These solutions are all connected and they are integrated,” he explained.

Asked how an average man could access the healthcare facilities, Udukwu noted that, “it’s not for specific people, it’s for everyone. We say there are people behind all the innovations that we have. We care about the patients and how they feel using our equipment.

JUST IN: Names of the released 21 Chibok Girls revealed

The Nigerian government has released the names of 21 Chibok school girls released by Boko Haram on Thursday, October 13.

It was gathered that the girls were released after a deal carried out by the Nigerian Department of State Security (DSS) and supported by the Swiss government with the Boko Haram insurgents.

However, the federal government denied claims that the release of the 21 Chibok girls was a swap for some terrorists.

Presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, released the names late Thursday after the girls met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Here are the names made available by the government:

1. Mary Usman Bulama

2. Jummai John

3. Blessing Abana

4. Lugwa Sanda

5. Comfort Habila

6. Maryam Basheer

7. Comfort Amos

8. Glory Mainta

9. Saratu Emannuel

10. Deborah Ja’afaru

11. Rahab Ibrahim

12. Helen Musa

13. Maryamu Lawan

14. Rebecca Ibrahim

15. Asabe Goni

16. Deborah Andrawus

17. Agnes Gapani

18. Saratu Markus

19. Glory Dama

20. Pindah Nuhu

21. Rebecca Mallam

Paedophilia Man, 21, arrested for raping 3-yr-old girl

Emmanuel Francis, 21, who resides at Dan-Raka Estate, Samaru, Zaria has been arrested by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for defiling a three-year-old girl.
SP Ahmed Musa, the Divisional Police Officer for Zaria confirmed the arrest of Francis who was paraded on Friday, October 14, 2016 in a statement.

“I received a phone call at about 3pm on Thursday from one of our staff, Kamal Aliyu, who lived in the same compound with the accused and the parents of victim.

“I immediately mobilised our men to the scene.

“When they arrived at the house, they discovered that people had nearly lynched the accused, but for Aliyu, who locked him up in his room after persuading the crowd,” he said.

The mother of the victim said she was preparing to visit a school when the incident occurred.

She went into the suspect's apartment where she made a shocking discovery where Francis was found having carnal knowledge of her daughter.

A police officer reported saved him from being lynched by neighbours, she said.

“We reside in the same compound with Emmanuel and my children used to call him Uncle Emmanuel.

“I was preparing to proceed to Islamiyya School, only to find out that the girl was not around.

“I knew she used to go to his room to play with his younger sister because they stay together.

“When I went into the room, I saw Emmanuel on top of my daughter.

“There and then I shouted; people who gathered wanted to lynch him but a security man saved his life."

Meanwhile, Musa has disclosed that the suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Buhari replies wife, says “Aisha belongs to my kitchen”

President Muhammadu Buhari, who is currently on a state visit to Germany, has replied his wife, who, in an interview granted BBC, said his government had been hijacked by a cabal.

Buhari, in  Germany, responded to reporters’ questions on his wife’s statement.

He said: “I don’t know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room.

According to the Associated Press, Buhari said: “So I claim superior knowledge over her and the rest of the opposition because in the end I have succeeded.

“It’s not easy to satisfy the whole Nigerian opposition parties or to participate in the government.”

Mrs. Buhari had said she might not back her husband’s re-election in 2019 unless he shakes up his cabinet.

In an interview with the BBC, Aisha Buhari had said the president “does not know” most of the top officials he appointed to office.

She also said she had not indicated whether or not he will seek re-election, and according to his wife, he has not told his family too.

Naira strengthens to N468/$1 at parallel market

The Naira continued its appreciation at the parallel market today, October 12, as it climbed to N468 to the dollar from N470 to the dollar the previous day.

The local currency also strengthened to N570 from N590 against the British Pound Sterling, but crashed to N517 against the Euro from the N510 rate it was yesterday.

The recent growth of the Naira comes on the heels of the intervention of Travelex in the Bureau De Change (BDC) segment of the market.

5 reasons Nigerians may doubt the Chibok girls release story

Some minutes ago, news broke that 21 Chibok girls were released by the Boko Haram sect. According to BBC Africa, a government source revealed that the terrorists dropped the girls in the Banki area of Borno state, where they were subsequently picked up by military helicopter.

The release of the girls comes a few months after the Boko Haram group called on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government to release its fighters in exchange for the girls.

The identity of the released girls cannot be ascertained yet while it is not clear if Boko Haram fighters arrested by security operatives were exchanged for the girls.

However, Nigerians may be in doubt of this story about the release for the following reasons:

1. No photo proof

In the past whenever a Chibok girl was released or rescued, photos of her where usually readily available all over social media and the various news platforms.

For example, when Amina Ali Nkeki, one of the 219 Chibok school girls was rescued, pictures of her were seen everywhere. Nigerians are eager to believe that 21 Chibok girls were rescued, however picture evidence will be needed for Nigerians to really accept it.

2. No exchange 

In the last video released by the Boko Haram sect, Shekau the leader stated clearly that the only grounds on which any of the Chibok girls will be released is that the arrested Boko Haram militants in the custody of the Nigerian government be released first.

So has there been any Boko Haram terrorists released by the Nigerian government? If yes, who are they? If no? Under what circumstances where the Chibok girls then released? These are some of the questions bothering many Nigerians.

3. Identity

Nigerians may also doubt this news because none of the girls have been identified. Names are one of the constants in the release and rescue of the Chibok girls.

Amina Ali, Susan Ishaya, are some names of rescued Chibok girls we have heard in the past. However, Nigerians are yet to be given the identity of any of the 21 released Chibok girls. This may cause doubt in the hearts of Nigerians.

4. Shekau has been unrepentant

When the news first broke, it was met with surprise and shock. This is because the leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau in his last video showed no sign of relenting or pity.

He has continued adamant in his demands of the Nigerian government, so it is surprising that this release is happening. Nigerians therefore may doubt the authenticity of the news.

5. Official statement 

In a case as sensitive as this, one would expect that the Nigerian army would release an official statement on the release. However, this has not happened. So many Nigerians may continue to doubt this news until an official statement is released by the Nigerian army.

Here is a video of a captured Boko Haram member speaking on how he joined the sect:

US Election Trump intensifies attacks on Ryan with four weeks left until Election Day

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump escalated his attacks on U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan on Wednesday, deepening a fracture in the party with only four weeks to go until the Nov. 8 election.
Trump, at a rally before thousands of supporters jammed into a livestock arena in Ocala, Florida, also attempted to drive voters away from Democratic rival Hillary Clinton with an overwhelmingly negative speech in which he described her as corrupt and unqualified for the presidency.

Ryan said on Monday he was no longer going to campaign for or defend Trump and advised House Republicans not to support the White House candidate if they did not want to. His move followed outcry over a video that surfaced last Friday showing Trump bragging in 2005 about groping women and making unwanted sexual advances.

Trump's response to being abandoned by Ryan, the country's most senior elected Republican, has veered between saying he feels free now to campaign on his own terms and assailing Ryan and other "disloyal" Republicans.

"Already the Republican nominee has a massive disadvantage and especially when you have the leaders not putting their weight behind the people," the New York businessman said on Wednesday, complaining that Ryan and others had not called to congratulate him on what he felt was a strong performance at a debate against Clinton on Sunday.

"You'd think they'd say great going Don, let's go. Let's beat this crook," Trump said.

"No, he doesn't do that," he added of Ryan, as the crowd booed in sympathy. "There is a whole deal going on there. There is a whole deal going on and we're going to figure it out. I always figure things out. But there's a whole sinister deal going on."

The release of the video has plunged Trump and the Republican Party into a deep crisis that has jeopardized his chances of winning the White House, when he was already lagging Clinton in national opinion polls, and possibly put Republican control of the U.S. Congress in danger.

WRONG FOCUS, LAWMAKERS COMPLAIN

Trump's fresh round of attacks came even as his campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, heard concerns from some House Republicans that Trump's criticism of Ryan was distracting from his message on how to defeat Clinton and win the White House.

Conway convened a conference call with House Republicans who support Trump that lasted about an hour.

A congressional aide said Conway went through a list of differences between Trump and Clinton and talked about how to make the case for Trump and against Clinton.

The general theme of comments from lawmakers on the call was that Trump needed to focus on his message to the United States and distinguish it from Clinton's, the aide said.

The aide said members specifically brought up Trump's attacks on Ryan as a distraction from that message. The tone from House Republican was one of frustration at Trump's attacks on a fellow Republican, the aide said.

The campaign and Conway did not respond to requests for their comments about the call.

Nonetheless, Ryan has been facing considerable blowback from a number of his fellow House Republicans since announcing his decision to focus on electing Republicans in Congress.

Oklahoma Republican Jim Bridenstine, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, tweeted on Wednesday that he will not support Ryan - presumably, for speaker in the next Congress -- because of Ryan's failure to defend Trump.

"Given the stakes of this election, If Paul Ryan isn't for Trump, then I'm not for Paul Ryan," Bridenstine tweeted.

Republican Senator John Thune, who called for Trump to withdraw from the race in a Saturday tweet, says his position has not changed but that he will vote for all Republican candidates on the ticket including Trump.

"I intend to support the nominee of our party. But he's got a lot of work to do, I think, if he's going to have any hope of winning this election," Thune told KELO-TV in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in an interview that aired

Tommy Ford "Martin" actor dies at 52

Tommy Ford, who was popular for his role as Tommy Strawn in the '90s television series "Martin" is dead at 52.

According to reports, the actor who passed away on Wednesday, October 12, 2016, was on life support at an Atlanta hospital after suffering a ruptured aneurysm on Sunday.

Tommy Ford played Tommy Strawn, Martin Lawrence's best pal on five seasons of "Martin," which aired from 1992 to 1997. 

Following his death, fans and celebrities have taken to Twitter to pay their respects, including his co-star and friend, Martin Lawrence.

On October 7th, the actor who was recovering from knee replacement surgery which he underwent two weeks ago, wrote on Instagram, “Working really hard in physical therapy! My progress is amazing! Thank you for all of your prayers and words of encouragement! I'm excited about getting back to work!”

Ford's other acting credit includes his role as Lieutenant Malcolm Barker on Fox's "New York Undercover"  and Mel Parker on UPN's "The Parkers."

He also played the Pope of Comedy on "Who's Got Jokes"  with Bill Bellamy.

N500m bribe: Judge caught prostrating before DSS officials

– One of the embattled Judges allegedly involved in a N500m scandal, has been caught in a compromising position

– The judge is said to have been caught on his belly prostrating before DSS officials in plea as evidences against him emerged

– The judge is question is said to have agreed that he took bribes running into multi millions of Naira

An emerging report suggests that one of the seven judges arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), has admitted to being a part of the controversial N500m bribery scandal.

The judge had refused to unlock the safe in his house for DSS operatives to have access to its contents.

The DSS, however, plans to take possession of the safe to uncover its contents, a source told The Nation.

It was gathered that the agency has been questioning bank chiefs and directors over links with some of alleged corrupt judges.

Those arrested were two Supreme Court Justices ­– Sylvester Ngwuta and Inyang Okoro; – the suspended Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, Justice Mohammed Ladan Tsamiya, who was picked up in Sokoto; Justice Adeniyi Ademola (Federal High Court); the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice I. A. Umezulike; Justice Kabiru Auta of Kano State High Court; and Justice Muazu Pindiga (Gombe State High Court).

The source said: “Corruption in the Judiciary was based on our intelligence gathering and alerts from informants and petitions. It is not based on the perception of Nigerians. We have been on the trail of some of these judges in the last few months.

“For instance, we started probing one of the seven judges in detention since the Ramadan period of 2015. When we got sufficient intelligence on him, bordering on over N500million bribe, we invited him.

“The judge was given a copy of our report on him. By the time he read it halfway, he prostrated, held the legs of the security chief (Lawan Daura) and begged for forgiveness. We captured the way he was reeling on the floor.

It was gathered that the agency has been questioning bank chiefs and directors over links with some of alleged corrupt judges.

Those arrested were two Supreme Court Justices ­– Sylvester Ngwuta and Inyang Okoro; – the suspended Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, Justice Mohammed Ladan Tsamiya, who was picked up in Sokoto; Justice Adeniyi Ademola (Federal High Court); the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice I. A. Umezulike; Justice Kabiru Auta of Kano State High Court; and Justice Muazu Pindiga (Gombe State High Court).

The source said: “Corruption in the Judiciary was based on our intelligence gathering and alerts from informants and petitions. It is not based on the perception of Nigerians. We have been on the trail of some of these judges in the last few months.

“For instance, we started probing one of the seven judges in detention since the Ramadan period of 2015. When we got sufficient intelligence on him, bordering on over N500million bribe, we invited him.

“The judge was given a copy of our report on him. By the time he read it halfway, he prostrated, held the legs of the security chief (Lawan Daura) and begged for forgiveness. We captured the way he was reeling on the floor.

BOMB AGAIN!! 8 people left dead. President Buhari reacts

President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to the bomb explosion at a car park in Maiduguri which left 8 people dead and many more injured.

The president tweeted his sadness on his verified personal Twitter handle just hours after the bomb explosion suspected to be the handiwork of Boko Haram on Wednesday, October 11.

Raid on judges could threaten Nigeria's democracy - Gowon

– A former head of state Yakubu Gowon has added his voice to the discus on the Department of State Service (DSS) raid on some Nigerian judges over the weekend

– Gowon said the raid on the judges by the DSS could pose as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. 

A former head of state Yakubu Gowon has added his voice to the discus on the DSS raid on the residences of some Nigerian judges over the weekend.

Gowon while speaking at the 20th anniversary of the “Nigeria Prays” in Abuja said the security agencies in Nigeria must never be allowed to overstep their boundaries.

Thisday in its report said Gowon urged the federal government not to allow these agencies operate beyond their powers while adding that such action exhibited by the DSS could threaten Nigeria’s democracy.

“Honestly, it is a serious thing and I hope that the government would give directives to the operatives not to go outside the precepts and the law because if the situation is mishandled, it can be a threat to democracy,” Gowon said on Tuesday, October 11,” Gowon said.

He further prayed for better ways to solve Nigeria’s problems while urging the federal government to look for innovative means of dealing with the nation’s economic problem.

5 ways to earn at least N5,000 daily in Nigeria

How much do you make daily? Like if you calculate the amount you earn monthly or weekly and divide by number of days , how much do you earn daily?

It is surprising to note that many still believe that they can only make money if they are graduates or have a certificate of some sort or the other.

Given the current prices of foodstuff, fuel, data and other daily necessities, it is important to note that many who do not have a certificate still earn a reasonable amount. How can you join the ranks of those who earn a reasonable amount of money daily without a certificate?

1. Freelance writing

This is easy, but not as easy as it sounds. The first step is you must determine if you have the skill of writing. Can you write very well? Are you creative? Then you can start earning money by writing freelance.

In Nigeria, newspapers and online news media always want articles and stories. You can key in to this by first choosing a beat, what can you write best on? Health, politics, crime, fashion, entertainment? Choose a beat, focus on it and start writing about it.

It doesn’t always have to be news, it can also be opinions and personal stories. Write the articles and then send to the newspapers and online news media platforms. You will be earning in little or no time.

2. Sales

The fear of failing in business has made many scared to go into the business world. However, sales will always be a very good way to earn a reasonable amount of money daily.

Online marketing is one way to boost your sales, and it has reduced the risks to a certain extent. Creating social media pages and advertising your wares on them will make your business more visible to likely customers. Also, you can easily outsource the delivery to other start-ups and limit your functions to advertising and sales.

3. Taxi

If you have a private car, you could link up with the various taxi companies around and while going about your daily commuting you can pick up and drop passengers earning as you go.

There are several companies which you can register with that will connect you to large base of customers which will enable you to earn money while going about your daily commuting apart from some little detours.

If you do not have a private car, some taxi companies regularly hire drivers with some amount of experience, so you could try to apply to them. Taxi drivers earn reasonably daily both from rides and tips.

4. Body care

The market for services increases daily in Nigeria. So from, barbing and hairdressing to fashion, many Nigerians are keying into the services industry and making money reasonably off it.

The learning process for many aspects of the services industry is relatively short and inexpensive. So learn one of those skills, from barbing, nail fixing, hair dressing, make up and so on.

While it might be difficult for you to set up your own business, you could start with many of the established ones and lend your services for pay, until you get a good base of customers.

5. Car wash 

The market for services increases daily in Nigeria. So from, barbing and hairdressing to fashion, many Nigerians are keying into the services industry and making money reasonably off it.

The learning process for many aspects of the services industry is relatively short and inexpensive. So learn one of those skills, from barbing, nail fixing, hair dressing, make up and so on.

While it might be difficult for you to set up your own business, you could start with many of the established ones and lend your services for pay, until you get a good base of customers.

SHOCKING NEWS!!Stronger than Boko Haram! New terrorists appears in Nigeria and attack the government!

– Nigeria suffers a new generation of threats

– The new generation of terrorists will cause exponentially more damage than Boko Haram

– The country should start to prepare to fight against new terrorists

Nigeria soon will be shocked and suffer a lot of damage as new terrorists appear and can destroy the country.

Tope Aladenusi, the expert of Deloitte Nigeria, has prepared a research called “Cyberharam: Can Nigeria Prepare For The Next Generation Of Terrorists?”

New threat

The expert stresses that reality is that there is a new type of terror that is brewing and evolving at an alarming speed all around the world; this threat is more sophisticated and can cause exponentially more damage than Boko Haram.  The author notes that  new generation of terrorism may not be in close combat but will be in cyber space.

Recall that a director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2013 said he expects cyber threats to surpass the terrorism threat that nations will face in the years to come.

Stronger than Boko Haram

In 2012, it was reported that there was a 60% increase in the attacks on Nigerian government websites.

It should be recalled that in Nigeria, it was reported that the website of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was hacked on the day of the 2015 presidential election.

And these forms of attacks  range from simple probes, website defacement, denial of service and espionage, to wide-scale terrorism.

Tope Aladenusi explains that we are seeing significant interest by terrorist organizations in leveraging cyber capabilities to further their cause. The Boko Haram sect gets media attention by leveraging social media.

Stronger than Boko Haram

In 2012, it was reported that there was a 60% increase in the attacks on Nigerian government websites.

It should be recalled that in Nigeria, it was reported that the website of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was hacked on the day of the 2015 presidential election.

And these forms of attacks  range from simple probes, website defacement, denial of service and espionage, to wide-scale terrorism.

Tope Aladenusi explains that we are seeing significant interest by terrorist organizations in leveraging cyber capabilities to further their cause. The Boko Haram sect gets media attention by leveraging social media.

Trafficking Baby traffickers thriving in Nigeria as recession bites

As 16-year-old Maria strained under the anguish of labour in southeastern Nigeria, a midwife repeatedly slapped her across the face - but the real ordeal began minutes after birth.

"The nurse took my child away to be washed. She never brought her back," the teenager said, gazing down at her feet.

Maria said she learned her newborn daughter had been given up for adoption for which she received 20,000 naira ($65.79) - the same price as a 50 kilogram bag of rice.

And Maria is far from alone.

A Thomson Reuters Foundation investigative team spoke to more than 10 Nigerian women duped into giving up their newborns to strangers in houses known as "baby factories" in the past two years or offered babies whose origins were unknown.

Five women did not want to be interviewed, despite the guarantee of anonymity, fearing for their own safety with criminal gangs involved in the baby trade, while two men spoke of being paid to act as "studs" to get women pregnant.

Although statistics are hard to come by, campaigners say the sale of newborns is widespread - and they fear the illegal trade is becoming more prevalent with Nigeria heading into recession this year amid ongoing political turbulence.

"The government is too overstretched by other issues to focus on baby trafficking," said Arinze Orakwue, head of public enlightenment at the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

Record numbers of baby factories were raided or closed down in the southeastern states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo this year, NAPTIP said.

A total of 14 were discovered in the first nine months of 2016, up from six in 2015 and 10 in 2014, the data showed.

But despite the growing number of raids, the scam exploiting couples desperate for a baby and young, pregnant, single women continues with newborns sold for up to $5,000 in Africa's most populous nation where most people live on less than $2 a day.

Cultural barriers are also a factor in the West African nation, with teenage girls fearing they will be publicly shamed by strict fathers or partners over unwanted pregnancies if they do not give up their children, experts say.

"In southeastern Nigeria a woman is deemed a failure if she fails to conceive. But it is also taboo for a teenager to fall pregnant out of wedlock," said Orakwue.

Maria said in the home in Imo state where she gave birth pregnant teenagers were welcomed by a maternal nurse who liked to be called "mama" but went on to sell the babies they delivered.

"(After I gave birth) somebody told me that mama collected big money from people before giving them other people's babies," Maria told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in the grounds of a school compound in her village.

"I do not know where my baby is now," said Maria, using a false name for her own protection.

A lot of the trade is carried out in Nigeria but authorities suspect babies are also sold to people from Europe and the United States because many foreigners continue to seek infants there despite the controversy around Nigerian adoptions.

Unbelievable see what's happening. Tesion as 501 Ghanaian soldiers opt to join Boko Haram, ISIS

– Over 500 Ghanaian soldiers have said they are prepared to join Boko Haram and ISIS

– The soldiers say joining the terrorist would be revenge for unfair dismissal

– They claim that there was so much fowl play in the military boot camp from which they were kicked away

There is a growing concern following agitation by some 501 sacked Army recruits who are threatened to join terrorist groups like ISIS or Boko Haram.

According to Ghana Web, the threat comes after what the soldiers have termed an unfair treatment after they were unceremoniously dumped out of boot camp.The recruits said even though some of their colleagues were found wanting by the instructors, they had never claimed the training was too difficult as claimed by the leadership of the training school, the basis for which they were sent home.


Convener of the recruits Frank Antwi, in an interview with Adom News said though they could not complete their training, the training they had before the unfortunate dismissal from the training school is enough to qualify them to be recruited into ISIS or Boko Haram unless they are recalled into the training school.

They believe they qualified but have been dismissed wrongly as a result of other considerations instead of their inability to complete the required training.

But a Security Expert and Assistant Director at the New York University, Dr Nicholas Nii Okine has condemned the threat and recommended that National Peace Council and the intelligence agencies step in.

He is suggesting counseling and mini reintegration process to re-tool them to perform other duties for the state, cautioning that this threat if not managed could be disastrous.

NNPC discovers 21 wells full of oil in North

– NNPC is putting last touches to a comprehensive framework designed to herald the intensification of exploration activities in the Chad Basin

– According to the fresh reports, the petroleum corporation has so far drilled 23 wells, 21 of which have potential of full prospects of oil

– Nigeria engaged a British company into the exploration that is already working in the Lake Chad region to put efforts together

– NNPC is putting last touches to a comprehensive framework designed to herald the intensification of exploration activities in the Chad Basin

– According to the fresh reports, the petroleum corporation has so far drilled 23 wells, 21 of which have potential of full prospects of oil

– Nigeria engaged a British company into the exploration that is already working in the Lake Chad region to put efforts together

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Moves by the Nigerian government to build up the nations proven oil reserve through exploration of new frontiers received a fresh thrust with the news that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as 21 oil wells out of the 23 drilled so far have potential of full prospects of oil.

The report from the NNPC showed that a total of 23 oil wells have already been drilled by mining oil companies that have been involved in oil exploration in the North in the past 30 years.

While only 2 of them were reportedly hit a dry run, 21 other wells were said to hold prospects of oil.

The statement from the NNPC also said that the exploration of the oil in the North has, so far, gulped a shocking sum of about N27 billion and $340 million correspondingly.

The corporation is reportedly expecting to receive more money into the quest – in compliance with the recent presidential directive to resume oil exploration in the North.

The statement reads in part: “Discoveries made in neighbouring countries in basins with similar structural settings are: Doba, Doseo and Bongor all in Chad amounts to over 2 Billion barrels (Bbbls); Logone Birni in Southern Chad and Northern Cameroon, over 100 Bbbls; and Termit-Agadem Basin in Niger totals over 1Bbbls.

“Already the NNPC New Frontier Exploration Services Division which is leading the charge for crude oil find in the entire Inland Basins is acquiring 3,550 sq km of 3- D seismic data for processing and interpretation in addition to the already acquired 6000km of 2-D data that is currently being reprocessed.”

“The search is not limited to the Chad Basin alone but covers extensive inquest in the entire Nigerian Frontier Sedimentary Basins which includes- The Anambra, Bida, Dahomey, Gongola/Yola and the Sokota Basins alongside the Middle/Lower Benue Trough.’’

– NNPC is putting last touches to a comprehensive framework designed to herald the intensification of exploration activities in the Chad Basin

– According to the fresh reports, the petroleum corporation has so far drilled 23 wells, 21 of which have potential of full prospects of oil

– Nigeria engaged a British company into the exploration that is already working in the Lake Chad region to put efforts together

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Moves by the Nigerian government to build up the nations proven oil reserve through exploration of new frontiers received a fresh thrust with the news that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as 21 oil wells out of the 23 drilled so far have potential of full prospects of oil.

The report from the NNPC showed that a total of 23 oil wells have already been drilled by mining oil companies that have been involved in oil exploration in the North in the past 30 years.

While only 2 of them were reportedly hit a dry run, 21 other wells were said to hold prospects of oil.

READ ALSO: Buhari directs to intensify oil search in north-east 

The statement from the NNPC also said that the exploration of the oil in the North has, so far, gulped a shocking sum of about N27 billion and $340 million correspondingly.

The corporation is reportedly expecting to receive more money into the quest – in compliance with the recent presidential directive to resume oil exploration in the North.

The statement reads in part: “Discoveries made in neighbouring countries in basins with similar structural settings are: Doba, Doseo and Bongor all in Chad amounts to over 2 Billion barrels (Bbbls); Logone Birni in Southern Chad and Northern Cameroon, over 100 Bbbls; and Termit-Agadem Basin in Niger totals over 1Bbbls.

“Already the NNPC New Frontier Exploration Services Division which is leading the charge for crude oil find in the entire Inland Basins is acquiring 3,550 sq km of 3- D seismic data for processing and interpretation in addition to the already acquired 6000km of 2-D data that is currently being reprocessed.”

“The search is not limited to the Chad Basin alone but covers extensive inquest in the entire Nigerian Frontier Sedimentary Basins which includes- The Anambra, Bida, Dahomey, Gongola/Yola and the Sokota Basins alongside the Middle/Lower Benue Trough.’’

READ ALSO: Niger Delta group strikes again, threatens Okorocha

The attacks of the Niger Delta militants in the south of Nigeria reduced oil production and partially caused the country’s recession.

Following this President Muhammadu Buhari two months ago directed the NNPC to escalate search for oil in the north-east.

The administration started the long-term planned exploration of crude oil in the north-eastern part of Nigeria which will reduce the pressure on the Niger Delta region.

In a related development the Chief of Naval Staff  Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas said the Nigerian Navy had commenced deployment of its personnel to the Lake Chad Basin Naval post to protect Nigeria’s territorial interest on the Lake bordering Nigeria and countries in the Sahel region commenced last month.