Unprecedented Price Hike
In Northern Nigeria, the prices of tomatoes and pepper have skyrocketed despite being in season. Residents report that the costs of these essential food items have reached an alarming level, stripping many households to bare bones. Following the recent Eid-il-Kabir festival, prices have continued to rise, causing significant distress among consumers.
Market Realities
In Lafiya, the Nasarawa State capital, residents lament over the soaring costs. Halima Musa, a housewife, highlighted the drastic price hike: a big basket of tomatoes now sells for N65,000, up from N17,000 in January. Similarly, a bag of pepper, previously N10,000, now costs N52,000.
Impact on Households
The escalating prices have forced many households to alter their cooking habits. Joy Abraham, a mother of three, has stopped using fresh tomatoes and pepper due to their exorbitant costs. She now relies on sachet tomatoes, as a small painter bucket of tomatoes, which used to cost between N1,000 and N1,500, now sells for N8,000 to N10,000. A small painter bucket of pepper has increased from N600 to N4,000.
Traders’ Perspective
Traders like Yakubu Ibrahim in Lafiya absolve themselves of blame for the price surge. He explains that they purchase these commodities from Plateau State and other North Central regions at high costs, which they then pass on to consumers. In Lokoja, Kogi State, prices remain steep, with a dustbin basket of tomatoes selling for N11,000 and a big basket for between N100,000 and N120,000.
Transportation and Insecurity Issues
The high cost of transporting these commodities exacerbates the situation. Traders in Adamawa State attribute the price increases to transportation challenges and prevailing insecurity in parts of the North. Hassan Umar, a trader, noted that a bag of fresh tomatoes now costs ₦120,000, while a big red pepper basket costs ₦55,000.
Government Intervention Needed
Consumers and traders alike are calling for government intervention to stabilise prices. Mrs. Grace Ishaya, a restaurant operator in Adamawa, had to close her shop due to the unaffordable prices. In Taraba State, the sharp increase in prices has made essential commodities nearly unattainable for many. Traders and consumers urge the government to address transportation issues and provide support to mitigate the escalating costs.
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