Tomato Prices Skyrocket in FCT, Residents Feel the Pinch

The persistent increase in the cost of tomatoes has become a significant concern for many residents of the Federal Capital Territory. In a recent market survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria, it was discovered that the price of tomatoes has risen sharply in various markets across the FCT. Malam Isah Ado, a vegetable seller at Suleja Market, noted that the surge in tomato prices has posed a considerable challenge to their business. According to Ado, the price of a big basket of tomatoes, which previously sold for between N85,000 and N90,000, now sells for between N150,000 and N170,000. He attributed the rise in price to factors such as seasonal scarcity, post-harvest losses, and the high cost of transporting the produce from farms to markets. Philomena Bassey, a tomato seller at Garki New Market, expressed her frustration, stating that the cost of transporting tomatoes from producing states to markets has continued to increase. 'Customers often think we are taking advantage of them by making excessive profits from our sales, but that is not the case,' she said. 'We sometimes purchase these tomatoes at a low price from the farms where they are produced, but by the time they arrive in Abuja, the price has increased significantly. As a result, we have to factor in all these costs, which leads to an increase in the price of the product,' Bassey explained. Mummy Juli, a small-scale trader residing in Kubwa village, stated that tomatoes have become scarce in the market, resulting in higher prices. 'The scarcity has made tomatoes very expensive to purchase, forcing us to adjust our prices accordingly,' she said. Mummy Juli noted that she previously shared a basket of tomatoes with three other traders but now has to share with five colleagues due to the increased price. She also mentioned that a small paint rubber of tomatoes, which she previously sold for between N4,000 and N4,500, now sells for between N8,000 and N10,000. 'Due to the price increase, I can no longer sell a portion of tomatoes for less than N1,000, as opposed to the previous price of N100. This has led to reduced sales in my business, as the majority of my customers are low-income earners who purchase in small quantities,' she said. Mrs. Angela Ikenna, a mother of two shopping at Dutse Market, expressed her concern about the rising cost of tomatoes, stating that it has significantly impacted her family's feeding expenses. 'I used to buy tomatoes for a week, but due to the high price, I now purchase only what I need for a day or two,' she said. Similarly, Mr. Moses Sunday, a nurse, lamented that the increased cost of tomatoes has further compounded the economic situation in the country. A resident of Dei-Dei, Mrs. Badia Muhammad, stated that the rise in tomato prices has affected many households. 'We use tomatoes in almost every meal, but due to the sharp increase in price, we can no longer afford to purchase them as we used to and have to opt for cheaper alternatives. We appeal to the government to address the issues affecting the supply of tomatoes and implement measures that will enhance production,' she said.