Tomato traders in Lagos have blamed the recent surge in tomato prices on poor storage, high transportation costs, and supply challenges caused by insecurity in the North.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday, the traders said the situation had affected their profits and reduced sales as many buyers now struggle to afford the produce.
A basket of tomatoes now sells between ₦40,000 and ₦45,000, while a crate goes for ₦20,000 to ₦30,000 depending on size and freshness. At the same period last year, a basket sold for about ₦20,000, and a crate cost between ₦10,000 and ₦15,000.
A trader at 3rd Avenue FESTAC Town, Usman Abdullahi, said he stopped importing tomatoes from Ghana because of multiple checkpoints and bribe demands. “Every checkpoint means paying something to the police or customs, and by the time the goods get here, there’s nothing left for me,” he said.
Another seller, Saidu Idrisu, who trades opposite the MRS Filling Station in FESTAC, said poor storage facilities had made it risky to buy in large quantities. “If you buy plenty, it will spoil in two or three days. Now, I only buy small quantities because I can’t afford the loss,” he said.
For Mohammed Gambari, insecurity in some northern states has discouraged many drivers from transporting tomatoes to Lagos. “Sometimes they attack trucks and steal everything,” he said.
Some Lagos residents also lamented how the rising prices have affected their meals.
A resident of Amuwo-Odofin, Titi Alabi, said she now buys half a crate weekly instead of a full one. “We hope the government can tackle insecurity and reduce fuel and transport costs,” she said.
Another resident, Ijeoma Okeke, said she now cooks more rice and fewer tomato-based dishes. “It costs a lot to make stew, so I’m looking for cheaper alternatives,” she said.
