By our reporter
With the holy month of Ramadan just weeks away, residents of Kano are already feeling the pinch of a significant surge in the prices of essential food items.
A survey conducted by THE NORTHERN STAR ONLINE across major markets, including Sheka and Rimi, reveals that the costs of ingredients traditionally used for Iftar preparations, such as Zobo, Tsamiya (Tamarind), and various spices have jumped by as much as 60% in just two weeks.
The “Hoarding” Factor
Traders are warning that current prices are just the beginning. Nasiru Muhammad, a provision seller at Sheka Market, attributed the spike to a sudden increase in demand and artificial scarcity created by big-time wholesalers.
“Prices have definitely started rising because Ramadan is coming,” Nasiru said. “If you compare today with a month ago, the difference is clear. By next week, it could be worse because some traders are already hiding goods they know will be in high demand, just to sell them at higher prices later.”
Close-up of Zobo leaves and Tsamiya (tamarind) in a Kano market, showing the essential ingredients that have seen a 60 percent price increase.
Close-up of Zobo leaves and Tsamiya (tamarind) in a Kano market, showing the essential ingredients that have seen a 60 percent price increase. Photo Credit: Daily News 24/Ismail Isahq
The Zobo and Spice Crisis
For many families, the cost of making traditional refreshing drinks has become a luxury. Amina Hamza, a shopper, expressed her frustration over the rapid change in market rates.
“I used to buy a ‘kwano’ (measure) of Zobo for N1,200, but now it has increased by N800 per measure. Even more disappointing is that the quality has dropped,” she lamented.
The price of Ginger (Citta) has also seen a sharp climb, moving from N12,000 for a half-measure to N14,000 in less than 14 days. Amina noted the irony: “Ramadan should be a time of mercy and lower prices, but traders use it as an opportunity to maximize profit.”
Table: Price Comparison of Key Ramadan Essentials
Item Previous Price (Jan 2026) Current Price (Feb 2026) Increase (₦)
Zobo (1 Kwano) ₦1,200 ₦2,000 +₦800
Tsamiya (1 Kwano) ₦1,500 ₦2,200 +₦700
Ginger (1/2 Kwano) ₦12,000 ₦14,000 +₦2,000
Masoro (1 Tin/Gwangwani) ₦2,500 ₦4,000 +₦1,500
“Masoro” Hits Record High
At Rimi Market, Rabi’u Nakaka, a dealer in traditional spices, confirmed that Masoro (Black Pepper) has seen one of the most drastic jumps.
“We sold a tin of Masoro for N2,500 recently, but today it is N4,000,” Nakaka shared. He explained that high demand for Tsamiya, a staple for making Kunun Tsamiya (tamarind pap) during Ramadan, is the reason for its N700 increase per measure.
While Nakaka hinted that prices might stabilize mid-Ramadan once the initial rush subsides, he warned that the trend of “hoarding” by major suppliers remains the biggest threat to the pockets of the masses.
This market survey was conducted across Sheka and Rimi markets by our correspondent Ismail Ishaq. The report highlights the economic reality of Kano residents as they prepare for the 2026 Ramadan fast. Daily News 24 remains committed to tracking commodity prices to keep our readers informed.
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