Residents of Taraba’s capital, Jalingo, have voiced mounting frustration over the recent surge in sachet water prices, which have spiked to 50 Naira per sachet.
A report confirmed the hike, which places Taraba’s pricing well above neighbouring states like Adamawa and Gombe, where sachets are sold for as low as 20 Naira or two for 50 Naira.
This steep increase has prompted calls for government intervention as locals demand transparency and action.
“It is unfortunate that the activities of sachet water manufacturers, particularly in Jalingo, our state capital, have not been checked or regulated by the state government,” lamented Musa Ahmadu, a concerned resident.
He and others argue that the price hike only adds to the heavy burden of Nigeria’s rising cost of living, affecting families already struggling to make ends meet.
“The government should step in to prevent a few individuals or companies from exploiting the people of Jalingo,” Ahmadu continued, calling for measures to prevent such unregulated price hikes in essential commodities.
In response, sachet water producers defended the price increase, pointing to escalating petroleum costs, which have driven up expenses for materials and transportation.
Producers emphasised that while they sympathise with residents, the spike in operational costs left them with few alternatives.
Nevertheless, Jalingo residents are resolute, urging the government to summon the chairman of the sachet water producers’ association to explore potential solutions and provide relief for affected consumers