Parents Lament Hike In Prices Of Noodles, Shun Commodity As Economic Hardship Worsens

By Akinwale Kasali

44-Year Old Babatunde Balogun, an Engineer had gone to a grocery store at Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos to purchase a Carton of Indomie Instant Noodles for his Kids.

He was shocked to his bone marrow as he was told that the price of the Commodity had skyrocketed from N4,800 to a whopping N10,500, while the medium Noodles, Indomie Super Pack was now sold at N17,100.

A dejected and disappointed Balogun walked out of the grocery store lamenting the dwindling economic fortunes of the nation that has metamorphosed into hardship for Nigerians.

Balogun is just one of out numerous Nigerians who are perturbed with the worsening economic woes of the country.

Noodles which has over the years become children’s favorite fast food has becoming unaffordable, hence the need for them to look for an alternative.

Like Indomie Noodles, the prices of other Noodles like Golden Penny Noodles, Minimie Noodles are up.  They are sold at N16,000 per carton as against the previous price that was less than N7,500.

Hauwa Bakari, a mother and a teacher, said that she used to prepare noodles for her children to take to school every Friday and to Islamic school on Sundays.

Bakari, however, said that the recent increase in the price of the item has made her change to other available food in the house.

“The last carton we bought before the present increase was N6, 000, for indomie noodles.

“By the time I went to get the same item after two weeks, it had increased to N8, 400.

“Now I learnt that the price is N18, 000 and above for the medium size of indomie noodles, while minimie noodles is N16, 000.

“I know it is one of my children’s favourite foods but with the way things are going, I cannot afford it so they have to eat whatever is available at home,’’ she said.

Bakari said that noodles have become a luxury for the ordinary Nigerian.

Rose Yakubu, a student, however, said that the high cost of noodles would not deter her from eating it.

Yakubu said that she liked the food, not because it is easy and fast to prepare, but because it saves her from buying other food ingredients to cook a proper meal.

A plate of Noodles prepared by Vendors, called in local parlance, ‘Ma Shai’ that consist of Two Noodles and Two Eggs that is usually sold for N500 has skyrocketed to N1,000, while it is sold at some Bars and Lounge for a Whopping of N2,000 to N3,000 depending on the location.

Shefiyu Abubakar, a Vendor, said that not many people can afford to buy noodles from his shop anymore.

He attributed this to the increase in the price of the commodity and the fact that many would prefer to buy other foodstuffs.

Abubakar said that the price for the hungry man indomie pack is between N18, 000 to N19, 000 per carton, while the smallest size sells for N10, 500.

“These prices were far lower in January and suddenly increased because of the inflation in the country.

“ It is our prayers that the prices of food go down soonest else, many may not be able to afford a meal per day,” Abubakar said.