Nigeria, Feb. 12 -- Less than 20 days to Ramadan, shopping for the Islamic holy month has begun across major markets in Maiduguri.

Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset throughout Ramadan, considered the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.

However, unlike in previous years when prices skyrocketed days before the beginning of the holy month, the faithful are having a different experience as they go shopping.

A market survey conducted by PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday at the Monday Market, Gamboru/Custom Market, and Baga Road Market indicated that prices of staples like rice, maize, beans, sugar, and groundnuts have fallen by five to six per cent over the last two months.

A 50kg bag of rice (Nigerian made) sold between N90,000 and N95,000 two...