Following the recent enforcement activity of the ban on frozen foods by the Nigeria Customs Service a 35% hike in price has been recorded in major markets, as disclosed by a recent market survey in Lagos.

A carton of turkey at the popular Mile 12 and Ijora food market sells for N11, 000 from N7, 500, while chicken is being sold for N9,500 from N6,500.

At the Dopemu and Agege main markets, a kilogram of turkey is being sold for N1,150 against initial price of N750, while chicken sells for N1, 050 against N650.

Recent visit to cold stores in Ayangburen, Sabo, Obale and Ejino markets in Ikorodu showed that only few of them had the items in stock.

The federal government had banned the importation of frozen chicken, turkey in 2003 but since then the items have never ceased to exist in Nigerian markets.

The new measures seem to have a bite following the soaring price of the items barely nine days after the fresh campaign by the customs.

Speaking with newsmen, the Iyaloja of Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government, Afusat Popoola, confirmed that the shortfall in supply was responsible for the price increase.

“Although, it is still available at Ijora market, being the hub of frozen food items, but the availability is in limited quantity and price has increased, this present situation will not only affect turkey and chicken but frozen fish will also be affected”. Popoola said.

The Federal Government has however been urged to cushion the effects of the impact by providing incentive and investing more in livestock agriculture.