FCT residents, traders lament rising cost of tomatoes, pepper

Some traders and residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concern over the rising prices of perishable food items such as tomatoes and pepper.

They spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, lamenting that seasonal produce such as tomatoes, pepper and fruits had become increasingly unaffordable, even during harvest periods.

According to them, prices of tomatoes and pepper have continued to rise in recent weeks and worsened in the last few days due to increased demand ahead of the Sallah celebration.

They explained that while prices of some perishable items had dropped because of the rainy season, others had risen sharply due to high transportation costs and increased demand.

Mr Idris Adamu, a tomato and pepper dealer at Gwagwalada Market, said the country’s economic situation had affected virtually every aspect of the market.

According to him, prices of tomatoes and pepper, especially tomatoes, have fluctuated since March.

“Between March and May, the price of a big basket of tomatoes fluctuated between N60,000 and N100,000, compared to between N20,000 and N35,000 in February.

“If you go round the market, you will discover that some of us dealing in tomatoes and pepper do not even have goods to sell.

“Some traders are afraid customers may not be willing to spend so much on tomatoes because the increase in the price of baskets will also affect the price of smaller quantities,” he said.

Adamu appealed to the government to provide agricultural and transportation support to farmers to ensure stability in food prices.

Mrs Maryam Salawu, a trader, said she could no longer afford to buy tomatoes and pepper for resale because prices had gone beyond her budget.

Salawu said she preferred to wait until prices reduced rather than risk making losses, adding that many customers could no longer afford the items.

She attributed the high prices to the Sallah celebration and the prevailing economic situation in the country.

Mrs Firdausi Bello, a civil servant and mother of three, described the situation as unbearable, saying it had become increasingly difficult for average Nigerians to feed their families.

Bello said prices of most food items had risen sharply within a few days, adding that she could no longer afford to buy a custard bucket of tomatoes.

“I am shocked at the price of tomatoes and pepper. I cannot afford to buy a bucket of tomatoes for N6,500, while some sellers charge N7,000 for the same quantity that sold for N2,500 a few days ago.

“The only alternative I have now is to continue buying dried tomatoes and pepper until prices reduce.

“As a civil servant, if I spend N6,500 on just one bucket of tomatoes, how much will remain for other household needs?

“It is high time the government looked into the plight of Nigerians. People are really suffering,” she said.

Similarly, in Karu and Nyanya, prices of the commodities also increased, with a large basket of tomatoes selling for between N65,000 and N80,000.

Mrs Joy Aromeh, a trader, said a large basket of tomatoes, which previously sold for between N13,000 and N20,000, now costs between N65,000 and N80,000.

She added that a bag of okra, previously sold for between N8,000 and N10,000, now goes for between N20,000 and N30,000.

According to her, the perishable goods business is no longer as profitable as before because customers constantly complain about the high prices.

She said many customers now preferred dried tomatoes because they were cheaper, adding that fresh produce often spoiled due to low patronage.

Aromeh appealed to the government to reduce fuel prices to ease the burden on traders and consumers.

Another trader, Mr Abdul Isiaku, said a small bag of tatashe, which previously sold for between N10,000 and N15,000, now costs between N70,000 and N85,000.

Isiaku said the increase had made it difficult for him to purchase a full bag alone, forcing him to contribute money with other traders to buy and share.

He attributed the increase mainly to rising transportation costs, aside from the slight increase caused by the Sallah celebration.

He appealed to the relevant authorities to address the rising cost of fuel.

NAN reports that a bag of onions, which previously sold for between N30,000 and N40,000, now sells for between N60,000 and N70,000.

Also, a basket of cayenne pepper (shombo), which previously sold for between N7,000 and N9,000, now costs between N12,000 and N13,500. (NAN)

المصدر: Daily Trust (NG)