Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concern over the sharp increase in the price of tomatoes, saying the development is putting additional pressure on household budgets and food businesses.
A market survey in parts of Abuja showed that tomato prices have risen significantly in recent weeks, with traders attributing the increase to seasonal shortages, post-harvest losses, and rising transportation costs. (Ground News)
Consumers who spoke on the situation lamented that the rising cost of the essential cooking ingredient was making daily meals more expensive, forcing some households to reduce the quantity they buy or seek alternatives.
Traders also said the price hike was affecting their businesses as many customers were unable to purchase tomatoes in the usual quantities due to the increased cost.
At some markets, sellers blamed the situation on difficulties in sourcing the commodity from farming communities, as well as the high cost of moving farm produce to Abuja. (Ground News)
The increase in tomato prices comes amid broader concerns over rising food costs in the FCT, with residents previously raising alarms over the growing prices of vegetables and other essential food items. (Trust Radio)
Some residents appealed to the government to intervene by addressing challenges affecting food production, transportation, and supply chains.
They urged authorities to support farmers, improve logistics, and implement measures that would help stabilise food prices and reduce the burden on consumers.
For many Abuja households, the tomato price surge has become another reflection of the wider cost-of-living challenges affecting families across Nigeria. (gazettengr.com)
