Woman's Early Morning Trip to Mile 12 Market Ends in Disappointment
A young Nigerian woman, known as @chinnykitchen on TikTok, has shared a heartbreaking experience after visiting the popular Mile 12 Market in Lagos State early in the morning. She had hoped to save money by shopping early but instead encountered a shortage of key food items, leaving her frustrated and advising others to delay their purchases.
The Search for Tatachi Pepper
In a video posted on TikTok, @chinnykitchen explained that she woke up early specifically to buy Tatachi pepper, a variety of dried pepper commonly used in Nigerian cooking. However, when she arrived, the pepper was not available. She waited until a new stock finally arrived, but market sellers quickly bought almost everything before she could secure a significant amount. She said: "I went to Mile 12 thinking I would save money… only to come back with market heartbreak. First, Tatachi decided to go on holiday. Then when the new stock finally arrived, the market sellers bought almost everything before many of us could get our hands on it."
Advice for Shoppers
After her disappointing experience, @chinnykitchen offered advice to others planning to buy food items in bulk. She stated: "If you're planning to buy food items in large quantities for shikini money, especially tomatoes, pepper and Tatachi, you may want to hold on a little longer. By July or August, prices should be much better as supply improves." This suggests that current shortages and high prices are temporary, with improved supply expected in the coming months.
Reactions from Social Media Users
The video sparked a wave of reactions from other TikTok users who shared their own experiences and thoughts. User elen-purpose commented: "I want to do this business ooo, like buying from Jos and selling at Mile 12, but is next year." Omotunde added: "I walked round looking for tatase." DERA noted: "Farms no get 50M for bandits." Halimah wrote: "I no see tatashe buy for market today I waka tire, even d dried ones sef no dey? na to cook my customer Jollof like that o." Best FruitParfait Jos/Lokoja observed: "Even in Jo's no tatashe." Divinely favoured offered sympathy: "So sorry about that." Byscious kitchen shared their own experience: "I bought 29pcs for 5000 at Ile epo last week Friday to cook jollof rice 16derica on Sunday the pepper mix i bought is 25,000 to cook 16derica go to Ile epo you will see."
Context: Mile 12 Market Operations
Mile 12 Market is one of Lagos' largest food markets, known for its round-the-clock operations. In a previous report, another Nigerian lady went viral after visiting Mile 12 at 3:30 am, noting that goods were cheaper during early hours and that traders were already displaying vegetables and perishables. That shopper used a private car and emphasized that the market operates 24/7. However, @chinnykitchen's experience highlights that even early morning trips do not guarantee availability or low prices, especially during periods of scarcity.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for Bulk Buyers
@chinnykitchen's story serves as a cautionary tale for those planning to buy food items in large quantities at Mile 12 Market. The shortage of Tatachi pepper and the aggressive buying by market sellers led to her heartbreak. She advises waiting until July or August when supply is expected to improve and prices should be more favorable. Her experience resonates with many Nigerians facing similar challenges in the current economic climate.
