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Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concern over the sharp rise in tomato prices, saying the increase is putting pressure on household budgets and affecting businesses.
A market survey conducted across Abuja on Sunday showed that tomato prices have risen significantly in recent weeks, with traders blaming seasonal shortages, post-harvest losses and high transportation costs.
At Suleja Market, vegetable seller Malam Isah Ado said a large basket of tomatoes that previously sold for between N85,000 and N90,000 now costs between N150,000 and N170,000.
According to him, the price hike has made business more difficult for traders and consumers alike.
At Garki New Market, trader Philomena Bassey said rising transport costs continue to drive up prices before the produce reaches Abuja.
“Customers think we are ripping them off and making a lot of profit from our sales, but that is not the case,” she said.
“We buy these tomatoes sometimes cheap from the farms where they are produced, but by the time they get to Abuja, the price will have gone up.”
Another trader, popularly known as Mummy Juli, said the scarcity of tomatoes has forced her to change how she buys and sells the product.
“I used to share a basket of tomatoes with three other traders, but now I have to share with five colleagues because of its increased price in the market,” she said.
She added that a small paint container of tomatoes, which previously sold for between N4,000 and N4,500, now costs between N8,000 and N10,000. The rising prices have also affected consumers.
Angela Ikenna, a mother of two shopping at Dutse Market, said she could no longer buy tomatoes in bulk.
“I used to buy the tomatoes I need for a week, but due to its price, I now buy only what I need for a day or two,” she said.
A resident of Dei-Dei, Badia Muhammad, said many families are struggling because tomatoes are a staple ingredient in everyday meals.
“We use tomatoes in almost every meal, but due to the sharp rise, we can no longer afford to buy it as we used to and have to opt for cheaper alternatives,” she said.
Residents have called on the government to address challenges affecting tomato production and supply in order to ease the burden on consumers.
