Rising Ginger Prices in Lagos Attributed to Insecurity

Ginger prices in Lagos have risen sharply, with traders attributing the increase to insecurity affecting major producing communities, leading to dwindling supplies and rising transport costs. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria's ginger exports dropped by 74% to N6.28 billion in the first nine months of 2024, compared to N23.76 billion during the same period in 2023.

Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, noted that ginger farmers lost N12 billion due to disease outbreaks in 2023.

Mr. Ademola Oduyemi from Oyingbo market stated that insecurity has disrupted farming activities, causing farmers to avoid harvesting or planting ginger.

Prices have reached unprecedented levels, with a paint bucket of ginger selling for N40,000 to N46,000, while half a paint bucket costs N22,500 to N23,000. Retail buyers are increasingly unable to afford larger quantities, leading to smaller purchases.

Traders like Mr. Iyabo Daleko and consumers express frustration over the rising costs, urging government intervention to improve security and agricultural productivity.