Despite being in season, the prices of tomatoes and peppers in northern Nigeria have continued to surge, causing significant distress among residents. This inflation has reached alarming levels, leaving many residents financially strained. The situation has worsened since the Muslim festival of Eid-il-Kabir.
Arewa correspondents reported from major markets in Kaduna, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kogi, Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, and Sokoto, noting that the prices of these perishable goods have not decreased after the Sallah celebration but have instead risen uncontrollably.
In Lafiya, Nasarawa State, residents are urging the Federal Government to take immediate action. Halima Musa, a housewife, revealed that a large basket of tomatoes, previously N17,000 in January, now costs N65,000, and a bag of pepper has skyrocketed from N10,000 to N52,000. Joy Abraham, another housewife, shared that she has stopped using fresh tomatoes and peppers due to the high prices, opting for sachet tomatoes instead.
Yakubu Ibrahim, a trader at the Lafiya market, explained that the soaring prices are not the fault of the traders. He pointed out that they purchase these ingredients from other states at high prices and sell them at almost the same rate, considering the struggles of their fellow citizens.
In Lokoja, Kogi State, a dustbin basket of tomatoes now sells for N11,000, while a large basket ranges from N100,000 to N120,000. Traders like Ibrahim Yusuf and Ilyasu Baba confirmed the recent price hikes, citing ongoing increases.
In Adamawa State, the high prices have made fresh tomatoes and peppers unaffordable for poor families and local eateries. Hassan Umar, a trader, stated that a bag of fresh tomatoes now costs ₦120,000, and a basket of red pepper is ₦55,000. He attributed the high costs to expensive transportation and security issues.
Residents in Jalingo, Taraba State, and other regions echo similar frustrations. The cost of tomatoes has risen from N200 to N500, and peppers from N150 to N400. Hadjia Aisha Musa, a tomato seller, attributed the price hike to poor weather and transportation issues, reducing supply and making it difficult to meet demand.
Consumers like Mr. John Adamu lament the financial strain caused by these rising prices. In Minna, consumers have resorted to unhealthy alternatives due to the high cost of tomatoes and peppers. Toyin Alabi shared that she no longer buys these items from the market because of their exorbitant prices.
Traders like Abubakar Jibrin emphasized that the price increases are not their fault, explaining that they have to travel far to purchase these goods. He highlighted the challenges of transportation and the economy's impact on prices.
In Sokoto State, a basket of tomatoes now costs between N90,000 and N100,000. Mallam Usman Aliyu, a trader, noted that the same item was less than N30,000 two months ago. He called for government intervention to address the issue.
In Gombe, consumers at Tumfure and Baban Kasuwa markets have turned to dried tomatoes and peppers as fresh ones are now unaffordable. Traders like Alhaji Abdu Bello expressed dissatisfaction with the high prices, noting that customers are unhappy and the profit margins are slim.
At the Sheikh Mahmud Gumi Central Market in Kaduna, prices have soared dramatically. A basket of tomatoes now sells for between N100,000 and N150,000, up from N30,000 to N45,000 earlier in the year. Pepper prices have also risen significantly.
Mallam Ibrahim, a trader and market youth leader, attributed the price hike to a disease outbreak affecting tomato crops. He emphasized that the scarcity and high prices are unprecedented in Nigeria's history. Early in the year, during the small Sallah, tomatoes were sold cheaply, but now prices have soared due to adverse weather conditions and transportation issues.
Another trader, Mallam Bashir Rabe Abubakar, pointed to extortion by security personnel and local council touts at numerous roadblocks as a significant factor driving up prices. He explained that these bribes and the high cost of fuel make it difficult for traders to make a profit.
Overall, the rising prices of tomatoes and peppers in northern Nigeria have created significant hardship for both consumers and traders. The situation demands urgent government intervention to stabilize prices and address the underlying issues contributing to the inflation.
