FCT Residents Alarmed by Soaring Tomato Prices

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have voiced their concerns regarding the escalating prices of tomatoes, which have surged significantly in recent weeks. Traders at Suleja market, such as Malam Isah Ado, reported that a big basket of tomatoes, previously sold for N85,000 to N90,000, is now priced between N150,000 and N170,000.

This increase is attributed to several factors, including seasonal scarcity, post-harvest losses, and high transportation costs. Philomena Bassei, a seller at Garki New Market, lamented the rising transportation costs affecting product prices.

Small-scale trader Mummi Juli from Kubwa noted that the scarcity has forced them to adjust their prices, with a small paint rubber of tomatoes now selling for N8,000 to N10,000, up from N4,000 to N4,500. Other residents, including Mr.

Angela Ikenna and Mr. Badia Muhammad, expressed that the price hike is impacting their household budgets, as tomatoes are a staple in their meals.

They appealed to the government to address the supply issues and implement measures to enhance production.