The Chairman of Mile 12 International Market Lagos, Shehu Jibrin, has attributed the more than 500% surge in tomato and pepper prices in Nigeria to inadequate supply, insecurity, and infestation.
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television as monitored by NewsNow on Monday, Jibrin highlighted the factors contributing to the staggering price increase.
Reports indicate that the cost of three pieces of tomatoes and pepper has risen to N1000 and N500 respectively, up from N100 and N50 a few months ago in markets across Nigeria, marking a 900% price hike.
Jibrin emphasized that the reduced supply of tomatoes and peppers from other states to Lagos, particularly due to insecurity and plant diseases, has significantly impacted the market.
He stated, “Unless the issue of insecurity is addressed, the challenge of exorbitant prices of tomatoes and peppers will persist.
“Currently, it is the off-season for tomatoes, and we anticipate supplies from locations like Ilaro, Ogbomosho, Abeokuta, Osun, and parts of Cameroon. However, delays in shipments from Cameroon, Ogbomosho, and Abeokuta have compounded the situation. The supply from Cameroon alone is inadequate to meet the national demand.
“The expected influx of tomatoes from the Northern region at this time has been affected by the tomato Ebola disease, further worsening the supply shortage.
“Out of around 5000 farmers in the country, less than 1500 are actively engaged in farming. Many farmers in the North are displaced and unable to work on their farms. Without addressing the insecurity, prices of tomatoes, peppers, and other perishables will continue to rise. The fundamental solution lies in farmers being able to return to cultivating their lands.
Prior to this, the Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, had linked the price surge of tomatoes to its scarcity caused by an infestation known as tomato Ebola or tomato leaf miners.
The Tomatoes Growers Association of Nigeria similarly ascribed the increase in tomato prices to the impact of Tomato Ebola.
In its recent Consumer Price Index and Inflation report, the National Bureau of Statistics revealed a rise in food inflation to 40.66% and 40.53%.
https://dailypost.ng/2024/06/15/more-misery-for-nigerians-as-food-inflation-rises-40-66/