Residents of Enugu metropolis in Enugu State, along with foodstuff sellers, have voiced their concerns over the escalating prices of essential food items, particularly tomatoes, pepper, and crayfish. The sellers, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during a market survey on Friday, attributed the surge to the off-season period and high transportation costs.
Tomatoes and Pepper Prices Skyrocket
Joe Agu, a dealer in tomatoes and pepper at New Akwata Market in Enugu, revealed that a large basket of tomatoes now costs N125,000, up from N80,000 in April. He added that a bag of pepper is now sold for N75,000, compared to N50,000 in April.
Gift Ekwem, a tomato seller at Garki Market, Enugu, stated that a 4.5-liter paint bucket of tomatoes is now priced at N12,000, a significant increase from N5,000 in April. According to her, some sellers have no stock due to the high cost, and many traders have either suspended purchases or buy in smaller quantities.
Ufon Duke, a trader at Ogbete Main Market, expressed that she can no longer afford to buy tomatoes and pepper for resale, as prices have exceeded her budget. She plans to wait for prices to drop before resuming business, citing low patronage and potential losses. She attributed the high prices to the off-season and the prevailing economic situation.
Nnena Eboh, a pepper-only dealer at Mayor Market, said she no longer sells N200 worth of pepper to customers due to the high cost.
Crayfish Prices Also Rise
Irene Ozo, a crayfish seller at Ogbete Main Market, noted that a bag of crayfish now costs N350,000, up from N320,000 in April. Another anonymous crayfish seller at Mayor Market reported that a 4.5-liter paint bucket now sells for N13,000, compared to N11,000 in April.
Residents Struggle to Afford Basic Foods
Ngozi Ochi, a civil servant, described the situation as unbearable, stating that it has become increasingly difficult for average Nigerians to feed their families. She noted that prices of tomatoes, pepper, and crayfish have risen sharply within a month, and she can no longer afford them. “It baffles me as the price of tomatoes and pepper continue to increase daily; I cannot afford to buy fresh tomatoes until the prices reduce,” she said.
Another resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared that her only alternative is to use dried pepper, tin tomatoes, or palm fruits for stew until prices fall.
