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The price of ginger has hit ₦600,000 per bag in Maiduguri markets in Borno State, driven by high transportation costs, insecurity in farming areas, and excessive export, traders and consumers said on Sunday.
At Kasuwan Russia (Market) in Maiduguri, a bag of locally produced ginger now sells for about N600,000, while a bag of imported Indonesian ginger costs approximately N250,000, according to a check by the News Agency of Nigeria.
Traders said although imported Indonesian ginger helps supplement local supply, many consumers still prefer the Nigerian variety because of its stronger flavour and effectiveness as a spice and traditional remedy.
‘Three pieces for N1,000’
A consumer, Ms Yagana Ali, described the current price as alarming, noting that ginger is widely used in cooking, beverages and herbal preparations due to its nutritional and medicinal value.
“We bought just three pieces for N1,000. It is becoming too expensive for low-income earners. Many people can no longer afford to use it regularly for cooking,” Ali said.
“Government should please do something urgently to reduce the cost,” she added.
Traders blame insecurity, exportation
A ginger trader, Malam Sherif Sherif, said the commodity remained in high demand despite rising prices. He blamed the situation on excessive exportation and insecurity affecting ginger-producing states such as Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau.
According to him, persistent bandit attacks have forced many farmers to abandon their farms, resulting in reduced production and supply.
Another trader, Mohammed Ali, cited insecurity along major highways used to transport the produce to Maiduguri, saying the challenges had increased transportation expenses and contributed to higher market prices.
Ali Umar called on the government to support ginger farmers through empowerment programmes, improve access to agricultural inputs, and enhance security in farming communities to boost production and stabilise prices nationwide.
