Basket of Tomatoes Climbs to ₦170,000 in Abuja Markets

Residents of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are expressing growing concern over the sharp increase in tomato prices, as shortages and rising transportation costs continue to push the staple food item beyond the reach of many households.

Traders across major markets in Abuja say the cost of tomatoes has nearly doubled in recent weeks. A large basket that previously sold for between ₦85,000 and ₦90,000 now costs as much as ₦170,000.

Speaking at Suleja Market, vegetable seller Isah Ado blamed the surge on seasonal scarcity, post-harvest losses, and the high cost of transporting produce from farming communities to the capital.

At Garki New Market, trader Philomena Bassey explained that transportation expenses have significantly increased, forcing sellers to adjust their prices.

“Many customers think we are making huge profits, but transportation and other logistics costs have become very expensive,” she said.

Small-scale trader Mummy Juli from Kubwa said the situation has become so difficult that she now shares a basket of tomatoes with five other traders instead of three. According to her, a container of tomatoes that once sold for ₦4,000 now goes for as much as ₦10,000.

She added that portions previously sold for ₦100 can no longer be offered for less than ₦1,000, leading to declining sales as low-income customers struggle to afford the product.

Consumers are also feeling the impact. Angella Ikenna, a mother of two shopping at Dutse Market, said she has reduced her purchases from a week’s supply to only a day or two because of the rising costs.

Another resident, Moses Sunday, described the increase as an additional burden on families already grappling with economic challenges.

Badia Muhammad of Dei-Dei said many households are now turning to cheaper alternatives because tomatoes have become too expensive for regular use.

Residents and traders have called on the government to address the factors affecting tomato supply and support measures aimed at boosting production and reducing post-harvest losses.

The rising prices highlight ongoing challenges within Nigeria’s food supply chain, with transportation costs, seasonal shortages, and agricultural inefficiencies continuing to drive up food inflation across the country.

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