Tomato traders in Lagos have raised concerns over rising prices, blaming supply challenges, poor storage facilities, high transportation costs, and insecurity for the recent surge.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), traders said these factors have made it difficult to keep tomatoes fresh and move them safely to the market.
Currently, a basket of tomatoes sells for between 40,000 and 45,000 naira, compared to about 20,000 naira at the same time last year.
Usman Abdullahi, a tomato seller in FESTAC Town, explained that he stopped importing tomatoes from Ghana because the costs and risks along the route left little profit.
Another trader, Mr Saidu Idrisu, said poor storage means tomatoes spoil quickly, forcing sellers to buy smaller quantities.
Insecurity in the northern parts of the country also hampers transportation, with truck attacks causing losses.
Consumers like Titi Alabi from Amuwo-Odofin say the price increase has forced them to cut back on how often they buy tomatoes, while others have turned to alternative meals to save costs.
