By: Lanre Shodimu
As Muslim faithful across Nigeria prepare for the Sallah celebration, many households are battling a familiar but deepening crisis — the rising cost of food ingredients, especially tomatoes and peppers, which have become almost unaffordable for average families.
From major markets in Lagos, Kano, Ibadan, and Abuja to roadside stalls in smaller towns, traders and consumers alike lament that the prices of essential cooking ingredients have skyrocketed just as demand traditionally rises ahead of the festive period.
Tomatoes, popularly described as the “soul of Nigerian stew,” have now become a luxury item in many homes. A basket that sold for relatively moderate prices only months ago now costs several times higher, while smaller portions displayed in bowls and nylon packs are increasingly beyond the reach of low-income earners.
For many families already struggling with inflation, high transport fares, and rising electricity costs, the latest increase has added another layer of hardship. Mothers and food vendors say they are being forced to reduce cooking quantities, ration ingredients, or substitute fresh tomatoes with cheaper alternatives such as tomato paste and dried pepper mixtures.
At several open markets visited by our correspondent, buyers could be seen bargaining aggressively for tiny portions of tomatoes and peppers that previously would not have attracted much attention. Some traders said customers who once bought baskets or large bowls now settle for a few pieces just to prepare meals for their households.
A trader at Mile 12 Market in Lagos explained that supply shortages from major food-producing states have worsened the situation. According to her, transportation costs, post-harvest losses, insecurity affecting farming communities, and seasonal fluctuations are all contributing to the rising prices.
“The cost of bringing tomatoes from the North is very high now. Transporters are charging more because of fuel prices, and many farmers are also complaining about losses on the farms. We are not happy increasing prices, but we have no choice,” she said.
Food vendors, especially operators of local restaurants and bukas, are also feeling the impact. Many say they now spend nearly double what they used to budget for stew preparation, forcing them to either increase food prices or reduce portion sizes.
A caterer in Abuja noted that customers often complain whenever prices of meals are adjusted upward, yet the cost of ingredients keeps climbing daily.
“People think food sellers are making huge profits, but many of us are struggling. Tomatoes and pepper are too expensive now. If you cook the same quantity as before, you may not recover your money,” she said.
The development is also affecting the mood of the Sallah celebration in many homes. Traditionally, families prepare elaborate meals and entertain relatives and visitors during the festive period. However, many Nigerians say the harsh economic realities are making such plans difficult this year.
Civil servants, artisans, and petty traders interviewed expressed concern that the increasing prices of food items are gradually eroding the joy usually associated with religious celebrations. Some said they may cut down on the number of meals prepared during the holiday to manage available resources.
Agriculture experts have linked the recurring hike in tomato prices to poor storage facilities, weak transportation systems, insecurity in farming areas, climate-related challenges, and inadequate investment in food processing and preservation.
They stressed the need for improved support for farmers, better rural infrastructure, and expanded cold storage systems to reduce waste and stabilize market prices throughout the year.
Analysts also warn that unless urgent measures are taken to address inflation and improve agricultural productivity, more staple food items could become increasingly inaccessible to ordinary Nigerians.
For millions of households already grappling with economic uncertainty, the soaring cost of tomatoes and peppers has become more than a market concern — it is a symbol of the growing struggle to put affordable meals on the table during one of the country’s most important festive seasons.
