According to investigations conducted by Saturday PUNCH on Lagos Island, the price of tomatoes has reached an astonishing N5,000 in Lekki and N8,000 in Victoria Island. Meanwhile, at Jakande market, a single basket of tomatoes is being sold for an exorbitant N50,000.
Additionally, the price of scotch bonnet pepper has risen from N1,000 to N3,000 per plastic container since the beginning of the year.
Traders in the area have expressed their frustration, stating that they have been unable to replenish their stock due to the continuous price hikes. One tomato seller in Magboro, Ogun State, Mrs. Bumi Jadesola, attributed the price increase to a disease that has affected tomato crops over the past five months.
Jadesola explained, “The prices of tomatoes and pepper initially soared earlier this year following the outbreak of Tomato Ebola, which heavily impacted produce in the North. Although prices eventually decreased, they shot up again in May. This disease has caused significant losses over the past five months, discouraging many farmers from investing in tomato production.”
As a result of the high prices and scarcity, a basket of tomatoes that used to be a staple in many households has now become a luxury item. Traders are struggling to keep up with the demand, and consumers are feeling the strain on their wallets. Urgent measures are needed to address this situation and stabilize prices to ensure affordability for all.
