By Nneka Nwogwugwu
Residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Edo and Rivers states have shared their experiences on the increase in the price of tomatoes in the market.
It is not news that the spike in tomato prices occurs every year in Nigeria. The peak season of prices of tomato in Nigeria is usually April – July.
According to some findings, during these periods, the price of a 50-60kg basket of tomatoes can go as high as N20,000 – N30,000.
During the low price time of September – February, the price of a 50-60kg basket of fresh tomatoes can go as low as N5,000.
However, even as Nigerians are already aware of this, some residents living in Abuja, Benin and Port Harcourt have lamented over the effects of the spike in price.
In Abuja, some traders decried that it is really becoming unbearable for them as they cannot ascertain if it is the current state of insecurity in the Nation affecting the price or scarcity of tomatoes.
‘’Before now, the quantity of tomatoes sold per plate for 100 is now for N250 or most times N300 and yet it can’t even make a pot of stew,’’ a Port Harcourt resident, Joyce Udoh told NatureNews.
Also in Edo, some of the residents who spoke to Daily Trust at Ikpoba Hill market in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of the state lamented that tomatoes have gone beyond their reach.
One resident, Eunice Henry said she was surprised when a trader sold six tomatoes to her for N500.
“As it is now, there is no N300 tomatoes in the market. I didn’t know what to say when I was given N500 tomatoes. The way things are now, tomatoes of N1000 cannot last us for two days,” she said.
Meanwhile, tomato sellers attributed the cost to scarcity of the produce.
One of the sellers, Rachel Uyi, said they are in the market to make gains and can’t sell below the cost price.
As at the time of filing this report, NatureNews correspondent made efforts to speak with Tomatoes farmers National President but proved abortive.