The Chairman of Mile 12 International Market in Lagos, Shehu Usman Jubrin, explained the recent spike in prices of tomatoes, peppers, and other perishables. He attributed this primarily to widespread insecurity and other contributing factors.

Prices of these perishable items have surged threefold, alarming many Nigerians. In an interview with Channels TV on June 17, Usman highlighted that insecurity in northern Nigeria is a significant cause of the price increase.

“The main issue is insecurity,” Usman stated. “There’s not much the country can do at the moment. Prices will keep rising. Currently, tomatoes are selling for N1,000 for just three pieces. Most people in IDP camps are farmers who know nothing but farming. Of the 5,000 farmers nationwide, only about 1,500 are able to farm under very risky conditions.”

He further explained that some farmers have to negotiate with and pay bandits to access their farms and harvest crops.

“In areas where these products are grown, farmers have to pay bandits just to harvest and bring their goods to the market. As long as these farmers remain in IDP camps, the country will face ongoing challenges with food supply,” he added.

Usman also mentioned that the shortage of supplies from the northern regions to the south is another factor driving up prices.

“Regarding tomatoes, from November to May, we get supplies from the North, including areas like Danja, Danjumi, Kadawa, Kano, and Katsina. Currently, it’s the off-season, and we usually expect tomatoes from places like Ilaro, Ogbomosho, Abeokuta, and Osun in the South, as well as from Cameroon. However, these substitutes are arriving late this year, leading to higher prices as we approach the festive season. The northern tomatoes are depleted, and there aren’t enough substitutes from the south.”