Ilorin, June 13, 2026 – Yam traders across major markets in Kwara State have expressed concern over a sharp decline in sales, blaming the situation on the increasing cost of the staple food.
Several traders who spoke in Ilorin said patronage had fallen noticeably in recent months as many consumers turned to cheaper food options due to economic pressures.
At Ganmo Market, trader Alhaja Tawal Saka said business activities had slowed considerably, with many potential buyers no longer purchasing yams in the quantities they once did.
She explained that customers frequently complain about the prices and often leave without making purchases.
According to her, foot traffic remains steady, but actual sales have dropped significantly because many shoppers consider yams too expensive.
Another trader, Mrs Taofikat Onisu, said the downturn in patronage has negatively affected her business, adding that some tubers remain unsold for extended periods and sometimes spoil before they can be sold.
She noted that several regular customers have reduced or completely stopped their purchases because of the rising cost of the commodity.
Onisu said discussions with former customers revealed that affordability had become a major challenge for many households.
At Ipata Market, Mrs Iyabo Ige shared a similar concern, stating that some customers who previously bought yams in bulk have disappeared from the market.
She recalled that many buyers once purchased enough yams to fill their vehicle trunks, but such transactions have become increasingly rare.
Ige suggested that consumers may be cutting back on yam consumption as a result of the sustained increase in prices.
Another trader, popularly known as Iya Ibeji, observed that some shoppers now deliberately avoid the yam section of the market because they assume prices will be beyond their reach.
While appealing for continued patronage, she stressed that traders are not responsible for the current price increases.
According to her, insecurity in some farming communities has contributed to higher costs by making it difficult for farmers and produce buyers to access farms and transport harvests.
She said incidents of banditry and kidnapping have discouraged many people involved in the supply chain from travelling to farming areas, thereby affecting the availability and cost of produce.
The trader urged government authorities to intensify efforts to improve security in agricultural communities to help restore normal business activities and stabilise food prices.
Meanwhile, a consumer, Mrs Funmilayo Aina, said she has significantly reduced the quantity of yams she buys because of the soaring prices.
She noted that purchasing three small tubers can now cost as much as N8,000, making the commodity increasingly difficult for many families to afford.
Many traders remain hopeful that improved security, increased farm access and better market conditions will help reduce prices and revive patronage in the months ahead.