Lagosians have decried the increasing cost of purchasing farm produce like tomatoes and peppers across major markets in Nigeria’s commercial nerve center.
Investigations show that a moderate basket of tomatoes now sells between N90,000 and N100,000, compared to the previous price of N20,000.
Also, a small basket of pepper, known as “Rodo” in Yoruba, which used to sell for between N12,000 and N15,000, now sells for between N40,000 and N45,000 depending on its freshness.
The price increase also applies to another type of pepper known as “Bawa” in Yoruba, which has skyrocketed to N55,000 from its former price range of N15,000 to N20,000.
Market women in Lagos state, who confirmed the alarming price surge, said most sellers have suspended the sales of these commodities.
According to the women, they are now forced to purchase one basket of tomatoes for the price of two some weeks back.
Sellers now display four small pieces of tomatoes for N200, while five larger ones were sold for N500.
Politics Nigeria reports that the sharp increase in prices is reportedly caused by the infiltration of farms by pests which have caused significant destruction in the northern region of the country.
Other farm produce such as carrots and beans have also been affected by the invasion of pests.
