Nutritional Deficits: The Soaring Costs Of Tomatoes and Peppers In Nigeria

What a time to be a Nigerian when a pot of stew looks like a bowl of caviar!

Fresh tomatoes and peppers have become luxury goods in Nigeria, with prices so high that one might wonder if the country is experiencing a war crisis.

Miserly pieces of tomatoes or peppers now sell for as much as 1000 Naira, making it difficult for many Nigerians to afford to cook a pot of stew or soup. This price surge is largely attributed to insecurity, which has significantly impacted the supply chain.

Whose Fault?

The Chairman of the Mile 12 International Market in Lagos State, Shehu Usman Jubrin, has pointed to insecurity and other factors as the primary causes of the high cost of tomatoes, peppers, and other perishable items.

“It is not our fault!” He says.

Supply shortages from the northern part of Nigeria to the south and pest infestations have exacerbated the situation. The severity of the price increase has left many residents struggling, with some resorting to unhealthy alternatives to add flavor to their dishes.

Tomatoes and peppers, essential ingredients in Nigerian cuisine, are predominantly sourced from northern states such as Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, and Gombe. Yakubu Ibrahim, a trader at the Lafiya market, emphasized that the soaring prices are not the fault of traders. He explained that they purchase these ingredients from other states at high prices and sell them at almost the same rate, considering the financial struggles of their fellow citizens.

In Lokoja, Kogi State, a small 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 have confirmed the recent price hikes, citing ongoing increases. Food prices continue to surge across major markets in Lagos State as well, with the price of pepper jumping by 100% in just two weeks, causing concern among market traders and citizens.

Nigeria’s food inflation rate rose to 20.6% in June 2022 from 19.5% in the previous month, driven by an increase in energy costs across the country. This has led to higher transportation costs, which in turn have caused food prices to increase further.

The impact of these price hikes is profound, affecting the daily lives and nutrition of many Nigerians.