Why Tomato Price Is Rising in Nigeria — Traders Explain the Real Causes

Tomato prices in Nigeria are rising due to insecurity, fuel costs, and transportation challenges. Traders explain what’s driving the hike and how it affects consumers.

The Soaring Cost of Tomatoes in Nigeria: What’s Really Happening?

If you’ve recently visited a market in Lagos or any major Nigerian city, you’ve probably noticed that tomato prices have skyrocketed. Once an affordable kitchen staple, the cost of tomatoes has doubled — and in some cases, tripled — over the past year. Traders and consumers alike are struggling to cope with this sharp increase, which has major implications for households and small businesses across the country.

According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), traders in Lagos attribute the price surge to insecurity, poor transportation systems, and lack of storage facilities. These challenges, they say, have disrupted supply chains and caused significant losses for tomato sellers.

How Much Are Tomatoes Now?

The average price of tomatoes in Lagos markets has risen steeply. Traders report that:

A basket of tomatoes now sells for ₦40,000 to ₦45,000, depending on freshness.
A crate costs between ₦20,000 and ₦30,000.

In contrast, at the same time last year, a basket sold for just ₦20,000, while a crate went for ₦10,000–₦15,000. This represents a 100% price increase in one year — a trend that has left many households rethinking their meal plans.

Transportation and Insecurity: The Twin Challenges

Mr. Usman Abdullahi, a tomato trader at 3rd Avenue, FESTAC Town, revealed that he stopped importing tomatoes from Ghana due to high costs and road challenges.

“I used to import tomatoes from Ghana, but I stopped because of the stress on the road. Every checkpoint means paying something to the police or customs, and by the time the goods get here, there’s nothing left for me,” he said.

Transportation costs have surged since the removal of fuel subsidies, and insecurity in Northern Nigeria — where most tomatoes are grown — has made things worse. Trucks carrying produce often face roadblocks, extortion, and even attacks.

Another trader, Mr. Mohammed Gambari, said insecurity has discouraged many drivers from traveling long distances with perishable goods.

“Drivers are afraid to come down with tomatoes. Sometimes they attack trucks and steal everything,” he lamented.

These risks increase overall logistics expenses, which traders then pass on to consumers.

Poor Storage Facilities Deepen the Crisis

Tomatoes are highly perishable and require proper storage to stay fresh. Unfortunately, most markets in Nigeria lack refrigeration and cold-chain storage facilities.

Mr. Saidu Idrisu, a tomato seller near MRS Filling Station in FESTAC, explained:

“We don’t have good storage facilities. If you buy plenty, it will spoil in two or three days. Now, I only buy small quantities because I can’t afford the loss.”

The lack of modern preservation methods contributes to massive food waste. According to a Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report, Nigeria loses up to 45% of its harvested tomatoes every year due to poor storage and transportation.

How Price Increases Affect Nigerian Households

The price surge has hit consumers hard. For many families, tomato-based meals like stews, soups, and jollof rice are becoming luxury dishes.

Mrs. Titi Alabi, a resident of Amuwo-Odofin, said her family has cut down on tomato purchases:

“I used to buy a crate every week, but now I can only afford half. We hope the government can tackle insecurity and address the high cost of transportation.”

Similarly, Mrs. Ijeoma Okeke shared that she now cooks alternative dishes such as concoction rice or yam porridge to reduce costs.

“It costs a lot to make stew for my family, so I’ve had to find cheaper options,” she said.

The Way Forward: What Can Be Done

To address the rising cost of tomatoes in Nigeria, experts and traders are calling for:

Investment in Cold Storage Technology – Introducing solar-powered cold rooms could help preserve freshness and reduce waste.
Improved Security Along Supply Routes – Securing farmlands and roads will ensure safer transport of produce.
Subsidized Transportation or Fuel Support – Reducing logistics costs could make tomatoes more affordable.
Encouraging Local Greenhouse Farming – Urban and peri-urban farming initiatives could reduce dependency on northern supply chains.

For Nigerians interested in learning more about modern farming and agritech, platforms like YouTube Agriculture Channels and Google Agriculture Tools provide helpful resources and tutorials.

Final Thoughts: Hope for Tomato Lovers

The tomato crisis in Nigeria reflects larger issues in the nation’s agricultural and logistics sectors. Until the government and stakeholders implement sustainable solutions — from better storage systems to secure roads — prices are likely to remain unstable.

Still, traders and consumers remain hopeful that with the right policies and investments, tomato prices will stabilize soon.

If you’re passionate about food security and agribusiness, consider following updates from NAN and FAO for verified agricultural insights.

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