By Olatunbosun Obafemi
A devastating flood that swept through Mokwa town in Niger State and parts of the North-Central region has severely impacted tomato and pepper production, triggering a sharp rise in prices across the country.
Farmers are grappling with poor yields, and many households – especially during the recent Sallah festivities – have been left with little to celebrate as food costs soar.
In Abuja’s markets, tomatoes that sold for ₦500 just two months ago now go for as much as ₦4,000. A large basket that cost ₦80,000 has surged to between ₦100,000 and ₦150,000. The crisis is being felt nationwide, from Mile 12 in Lagos to Port Harcourt, as supply chains break down under the weight of floodwaters, poor infrastructure, and rising transportation costs.
Mohammed Umar, a tomato trader in Kabusa market, described the situation as worsening. “The prices will go higher in the coming weeks,” he warned. “Flooded farms and blocked roads are delaying trucks from the North.”
He cited three major causes: the hike in petroleum prices, harassment and extortion by road officials, and illegal levies imposed along transport routes. “Every stop adds cost,” he said. “We are forced to bribe officials or risk spoilage.”
Kano State Tomatoes Farmers’ Chairman, Sani Danladi, added that the scarcity was worsened by the Sallah holiday and ongoing rainfall. Relief may not come until August when fresh, rain-fed harvests are expected.
Until then, Nigeria’s tomato crisis may remain a bitter pill for consumers to swallow.
