Following the memorandum of understanding (MOU) reached early in April between the Nigerien government and rice traders on the three-month suspension of import duties, the price of a 50-kg bag of rice slightly dropped during the past few days in Nigerien markets.
In accordance with this memorandum, the 50-kg bag of rice now costs CFA 15,900 in Niamey, CFA 16,150 in Tillabery and Dosso (west), CFA 16,900 in Maradi, CFA 17,150 in Zinder (central-east), CFA 17,250 in Agadez (north), and CFA 17,650 in Diffa (far-east).
“In general, we dare say that rice importers complied with the binding terms of our memorandum of understanding,” Abdou Daouda, Nigerien minister in charge of fighting the high cost of living said, stressing that some traders sell the tonne of rice at 300,000 CFA francs, or the 50-kg bag for 15,000 francs, below the ceiling price agreed by both sides.
Maman Nouri, chairman of the Consumers’ Rights Association (ADDC), commended the current situation following the government’s commitment in the suspension of taxes on rice and the granting of loans for that purpose.
“The only hiccup noted by some traders is the rice shortage prevailing on the international market”.
Minister Abdou urged the traders to pass this drop on to the retailers who supplied from their stores.
The minister also wished the governors set up “follow-up committees to enforce the measures because the government has agreed to part with 10 billion CFA francs in favor of consumers”.
The price of convenience goods has been soaring up since a few months ago on Nigerien markets, toughening the high cost of living.
Late in March 2008, the Nigerien Statistics Institute released a report on the harmonized index of consumer products which states that the cost of housing, domestic gas, water, and electricity increased to an average 1.6 percent compared to the level in 2007.
Source African Press Agency
