Ramadan: How Kano residents enjoy low prices at essential commodities market

Ramadan has long been accompanied by the challenge of unnecessary food price hikes, particularly affecting the poor, who struggle to ensure their hard-earned savings can sustain them throughout the fasting period. 

SolaceBase reports that this trend has persisted for years, drawing criticism, especially amid the worsening economic situation that has impacted not just Nigeria but many other nations. 

As a recurring concern, the issue has garnered widespread attention, with calls for government intervention to curb the practice—particularly since Ramadan is a sacred month in which Muslims fast. 

However, this time, the Kano State Government, through the Ministry of Commerce, Investment and Industry, has taken action by opening a trade fair on Zoo road behind Shoprite in the metropolis where food items and other essential commodities are sold at more affordable prices, with discounts ranging from 20% to as high as 50%. 

Prices slashed, residents rush for discounts 

The introduction of the discounted market has led to a rush of buyers eager to take advantage of the reduced prices on essential food items such as rice, millet, noodles, spaghetti, macaroni, pepper, and even non-food items like shoes and perfumes. 

Balarabe Uba Dogo, one of the beneficiaries, expressed his satisfaction after purchasing millet at a discount. 

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“The price of a mudu of millet outside is N1,800, but I got it here for N1,300, saving N500 on each mudu. This is an excellent move by the government,” Dogo said. 

He added, “We truly appreciate the Kano State Government’s vision in providing these discounts, especially in this sacred month of Ramadan, when prices outside are still ridiculously high.” 

Another buyer, Maman Aisha, said she saved over N2,000 on the commodities she purchased at the market. 

“I heard about the discounts here, which is why I came. I bought some items and saved at least N2,000. I’m impressed. If I had brought more money, I would have purchased even more,” she stated. 

She added that such discounts allow people to use their savings to buy other essentials, especially considering the current economic hardship. She commended the Kano State Government for the initiative. 

Similarly, Muhammad Isma’il, who visited the market to purchase Ramadan essentials, described the government’s effort as commendable. 

“I bought milk and Indomie at discounted prices. I also inquired about rice, macaroni, and other items, and I was surprised to see significant price differences. You can save up to N5,000 on a bag of rice, and in some cases, up to N3,000, depending on the item,” he said. 

“For example, each mudu of millet has a N500 discount. A full bag contains 40 mudus, meaning you save N20,000 on a bag. This is quite impressive.” 

Another shopper, Aisha Ibrahim, noted that even smaller items were discounted. 

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“I saved at least N300 on some items. I got a nearly 50% discount on Maggi, and while Indomie is sold for N15,200 or more outside, I bought it here for N14,500,” she said. 

Traders explain reason behind discounts 

From their perspective, traders at the market shared that their decision to offer discounts stems from a sense of compassion during the holy month of Ramadan.

They expressed their willingness to ease the burden on customers by reducing the prices of their commodities. 

Bulama Alhaji Bukar, a trader specializing in incense—a traditional fragrance made from aromatic wood and widely used in Arab culture—said they had slashed prices significantly. 

“We used to sell a particular incense for N8,000 before Ramadan, but now we offer it at N4,000.

“Other types, which were N3,000, are now N2,000, and some that were N1,000 have been discounted to N500,” he said. 

Similarly, Musa Muhammad Inuwa, a shoe vendor, said he had reduced the price of some footwear by as much as N4,500 in honor of the sacred month. 

“There’s a pair of shoes I usually sell for N14,000, but now I sell same for N9,500. It’s Ramadan. People need to be compassionate and help one another,” he said. 

Another trader, Ibrahim Garba Surajo, who deals in millet, beans, and other food items, commended the Kano State Government’s efforts.

He acknowledged that the prices of commodities outside the market remained high, making the government-supported initiative beneficial for buyers. 

“For example, I sell millet for N1,300 per mudu, while it’s N1,800 outside. If you calculate a discount of N500 per mudu on a full bag containing 40 mudus, that’s a total discount of N20,000 per bag,” he explained. 

Govt support to ensure price reduction 

The Kano State Government revealed that it provided support to traders and dealers by covering the cost of transportation for the commodities.

This measure was taken to ensure traders could access goods at affordable prices, making it easier for people to afford essential goods during Ramadan. 

Speaking exclusively with SolaceBase, the Commissioner for Commerce, Investment, and Industry, Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi, said the effort was aimed at addressing the recurring trend of unnecessary price hikes during Ramadan. 

“The governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, told me about the plan to tackle this issue, particularly given the current economic hardship people are facing,” he said. 

Following his directive, the commissioner said he engaged with traders through their unions, and they all cooperated to achieve the objective. 

“To further ease the burden on traders, the Kano State Government decided to cover their transportation costs—both to and from the market—at no charge,” he added. 

According to him, this initiative has encouraged traders to lower their prices, attracting more buyers to the market and achieving the government’s goal of making essential commodities more affordable. 

He described Ramadan as a month of compassion, blessings, and generosity, urging traders and the public to help one another instead of making life more difficult. 

The commissioner also commended the contributions of traders from various markets, including NAS, Yankaba, Singer, Dawanau, Kantin Kwari, Kofar Wambai, Yan Lemo, as well as fish and meat sellers, who voluntarily joined the initiative to support the people. 

Initiative praised as beneficial to masses 

Barrister Abdullahi Usman, the director of the market, described the initiative as commendable, emphasizing that influential dealers from various markets in the state brought their commodities to sell at discounted prices. 

He said the decision was necessary, especially in the sacred month of Ramadan, to ensure that people could afford essential goods at lower prices. 

“With the discounts, people are finding it easier to make purchases since a variety of items are available in the market,” he stated. 

Usman also commended the Kano State Government for supporting traders by covering transportation costs for goods brought to the market and for ensuring adequate security to protect people’s properties. 

“This initiative will undoubtedly benefit the poor, who struggle to earn money and then struggle even more to spend it due to high prices,” he added. 

Calls for extension of market duration 

With the market set to operate for only three weeks, some buyers are already appealing to the government to extend its duration beyond Ramadan so that people can continue benefiting from the discounts. 

Maman Aisha urged the government to make the initiative a long-term project. 

“This initiative should be expanded because it is a wonderful development that helps the masses. We are pleading with the state government to extend its duration,” she said. 

Similarly, Balarabe Uba Dogo suggested that the market should become a permanent feature to continuously assist people, particularly in these difficult economic times. 

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“I am begging the government in the name of God to sustain this market so that people will continue to get discounts. It should be something that remains forever,” he stated. 

Govt considers sustaining, expanding initiative 

Responding to these calls, the Commissioner for Commerce, Investment, and Industry, Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi, said the initial three-week period was a trial phase, and the government is now considering extending the initiative beyond that timeframe and expanding it to other locations across the state. 

“As I mentioned earlier, the Kano State Government plans to sustain and expand this initiative so that people in different areas can access affordable goods without traveling long distances,” he said. 

“For example, we are looking at expanding to areas like Gobirawa, Katsina Road, Hadejia Road, Gwarzo Road, and other locations, including local government areas. We will engage with traders’ unions to further discuss the implementation,” he added.