Frozen fish sellers decry rising prices, low sales in FCT

Frozen fish sellers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have raised concerns over rising prices, saying the trend is depressing sales and putting basic protein beyond the reach of many households.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) survey conducted at selected cold rooms in the FCT indicates that the sharp increase in fish prices is affecting both traders and consumers.

The sellers described the trend as a major contributor to hardship, particularly for low-income households, as many residents now struggle to afford basic sources of protein.

Findings show that the situation worsened between 2025 and 2026, with fish; once considered one of the most affordable protein options becoming out of reach for many families.

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Mrs Abigail Ade, a fish seller in Gwarinpa, said she had spent over 20 years in the business but had never witnessed such a surge in prices.

According to her, the current period is the most challenging she has experienced.

“Fish used to be affordable, but now only wealthy people can buy it in large quantities. Many families now buy fish in pieces instead of kilos.

“Titus fish, a staple for many Nigerian households, now sells for about N7,000 per kilogram, making it difficult for average earners to sustain regular consumption,” she said.

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Ade urged the Federal Government to reduce shipping and port-related costs associated with fish importation.

Similarly, Mr Ibrahim Sanni, a storekeeper at a cold room in Garki, said bulk purchases had declined significantly due to rising prices.

“Many families have reduced their protein intake, while others are shifting to cheaper alternatives.

“People hardly buy cartons of fish anymore; instead, they contribute money to share among themselves.

“This has affected our sales, and the government needs to address the situation,” he said.

Mrs Esther Akoja, a fish seller at the Kado Fish Market, attributed the price increase largely to the rising cost of diesel and electricity tariffs.

“Electricity tariffs are high and keep increasing without prior notice from AEDC. The cost of diesel is also very high, and we need to break even.

“This has not been easy for us as our sales have dropped significantly. People now buy fish only when it is absolutely necessary.

“I am sure there must be something the authorities can do to address this issue because it is affecting our livelihood,” she said.

An economist, Mrs Hanatu Attah, noted that although food inflation showed signs of moderation in 2025, fish prices have remained persistently high.

She said the impact of the price surge was already being felt across households and markets.

Attah called for urgent policy measures to address rising fuel costs, improve local fish production and ease importation bottlenecks.

According to her, such interventions are necessary to make fish more affordable and reduce the burden on households.

NAN reports that industry sources estimate that more than 80 per cent of Nigeria’s fishing trawlers are currently inactive due to the high cost of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel).

The price of diesel has risen from about N900 per litre to between N1,800 and N2,000 per litre, leading to a drop in local fish supply and widening the supply gap.

Further data from industry groups show that Nigeria’s fish import bill rose by 21 per cent to N521.4 billion in 2025, while domestic production continues to fall short of demand by over 50 per cent.

(NAN)