Less than 48 hours to Eid-el-Kabir, the prices of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and other perishables have suddenly soared in the aftermath of the collapse of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State, which left hundreds of trucks conveying food items trapped.
Market sources say the price surge is as a result of the failed bridge and the Sallah celebrations, which begin on Saturday.
The bridge, serving as a crucial passage for trucks transporting goods like food, animals, and various products from the northern regions to the south, was demolished due to last Thursday’s catastrophic flooding. This disaster resulted in more than 200 fatalities, leaving numerous individuals missing.
The development has sparked anxiety over the disruption to the food supply chain as the Muslim faithful celebrate the Eid on Friday.
Also, the dealers in perishable foodstuffs, whose goods were stranded at the failed bridge, have lamented the unfortunate situation and the impact on their businesses, fearing huge financial losses.
On Wednesday, during an interview with The PUNCH, the National President of the National Onion Producers Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Isa Aliyu, stated that lorries transporting onions to the South-West region became stranded in Mokwa town.
A minimum of 15 lorries filled with tomatoes and peppers originating from Kebbi State are stranded in Mokwa. This information was disclosed by the chairman of the Tomato Traders Association in the state, Alhaji Umarun Basiru, to The PUNCH newspaper.
“Fifteen trucks carrying perishable goods valued at N250 million are stranded in transit,” he stated.
He stated that the development has “rubbed salt into the wound,” resulting in even higher costs for goods that spoil easily, which were already expensive.
Aminu Aliyu, a dealer based in Bauchi, explained that the trucks stuck in Mokwa were mostly conveying foodstuffs to the South.
He pointed out that the situation would compound the high cost of the commodities in the market.
“Definitely, the development will cause an increase in the prices of foodstuffs. It will worsen the already bad situation of the poor masses. Whenever foodstuffs are stranded, it leads to scarcity and higher prices,’’ he intoned.
The greater concern is that these goods are perishable items with a limited shelf life. When you take into account the extensive preparations made by many of our Muslim brothers and sisters for the Eid celebrations, which include significant cooking activities requiring substantial usage of these products, your understanding of our apprehensions would be more comprehensive.
Sadly, the market dynamics are straightforward: increased demand leads to elevated prices.
Garba Yusuf, a prominent tomato and pepper grower from Gombe, stated, “Normally, we transport our crops to Kano, Niger, Abuja, and Lagos; however, at present, the trucks are stuck in those locations awaiting alternate routes.”
Undoubtedly, this presents serious drawbacks since during the major holiday of Eid al-Adha, families prepare large meals. We’re discussing sums involving millions of naira here. Many goods could spoil before reaching where they’re needed.
The Chairman of the Sokoto State Association of Foodstuffs Sellers, Alhaji Murtala Bawa, stated that his organization has not yet calculated the damages caused by the Mokwa incident. He mentioned that they are presently gathering information directly from the impacted members.
“We can’t give the figures, we are currently collating the reports from our members. One thing I can tell you is that we have lost perishable goods worth millions of naira due to the current situation of things in Mokwa.”
Similarly, tomato, pepper and onion sellers in Nasarawa State bemoaned the increasing prices of the commodities, urging the government to intervene.
A correspondent visiting the Main Market and Kasuwa Tomatoes Market in Lafia, the state capital, noted an abrupt rise in product costs when they went there on Tuesday.
The research indicates that a bundle of tomatoes currently costs anywhere from N20,000 to N25,000, varying with the quality.
Ibrahim Muhammad, the Secretary of the Kasuwa Tomatoes Market, has requested aid from the federal government.
We were informed that vehicles are presently unable to pass through Mokwa in Niger State because of the floods. Based on what I know, this is largely responsible for the increase in food item prices since many lorry drivers are stranded.
“The federal authorities ought to work together with the Niger State Government to tackle this problem. Individuals were voicing their concerns about difficulties even prior to these recent developments. Many of them struggle to provide three daily meals, so one can only fathom how dire their circumstances must be as food item costs rise once more. Therefore, the administration needs to assist us in overcoming this predicament,” he pleaded.
Inspections at the Mandate and Ipata markets in Ilorin, Kwara State, highlighted the significant impact of the Mokwa event, showing that food prices have surged over 10 percent higher than they were two weeks prior.
The study revealed that the cost of a batch of tomatoes varies from N18,000 to N22,000, N50,000, and even up to N70,000, based on the quantity and condition of the product.
A trader popularly known as Iya Aisha Alata at Mandate Market, told The PUNCH that the basket of tomatoes, which sold for N40,000 a week ago, now sells for N50,000.
“The present fluctuations in the market are partially due to seasonal factors and holidays. The availability of tomatoes from the Hausa region is decreasing, so we have started sourcing our products from the Southwest. This shift in suppliers is also causing changes in prices,” she explained.
She pointed out the decreased stock levels, mentioning that multiple lorries had been unable to transport fresh goods over the last seven days.
A homemaker named Hajia Musilimat Bello mentioned that the small basket she purchased for ₦2,500 at Mandate Market just last week had increased to ₦5,000 by Sunday, highlighting the mounting pressure on family finances.
Additionally, the Kaduna Tomato Vendors Association voiced their worries about the damaged bridge.
Ahmed Suleiman, the Chairperson of the Association, characterized the circumstances as critical, pointing out that should the products stranded in Mokwa deteriorate, it might cause a scarcity of crucial provisions in the marketplace, consequently driving up costs.
“We have concerns regarding the situation, and we strongly request that the authorities take urgent action,” stated Suleiman.
The value of the stranded goods is immense, and their destruction would result in significant financial loss. For instance, a single truck loaded with 20 tons of tomatoes could amount to several hundred thousand naira,” he explained. “Given the large number of trapped vehicles, the total damages will be considerable.
Musa Mohammed, the Chairman of the Truck Owners Association, stated, “This represents a significant obstacle for our enterprises. We are facing financial losses daily, and should this scenario continue, it could trigger widespread disruptions throughout the distribution network.”
Ahmed urged for quick repairs to be made on the bridge so as to ease the transportation of goods.
We require the government to take swift action to address this emergency.
Mallam Rabiu, who sells vegetables in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, cautioned that the circumstances might deteriorate market conditions, especially during the celebrations.
As per Rabiu, a bunch of freshly harvested tomatoes previously priced from N18,000 to N20,000, with an upper limit of N25,000 or even N30,000, is currently being sold for anywhere between N50,000 and N55,000 at the Vegetable Market located in Damaturu.
Moreover, the cost of a bag of pepper was between ₦20,000 and ₦22,000.
He mentioned that the prices were set based on the origin of the goods, specifically from either Zaria or Kano.
Rabiu voiced his worries about how the flooding in Mokwa could substantially affect the vegetable trade across the north.
The retailer of okra, onions, and tomatoes noted that the circumstances underscored the difficulties encountered by sellers and the possible impacts on trade.
Bulus Andrawus, the Deputy Chairman of the Truck Drivers Association in Plateau State, mentioned that the vehicles carrying perishable items have been stranded in Mokwa for more than five days.
Andrawus mentioned, “Our members were unable to proceed because the bridge had collapsed. A significant number of them have been stuck for the last five days with no progress.”
“A number of goats have begun to die off. This is a critical circumstance necessitating prompt governmental intervention. Both the truck drivers and owners are urging the authorities to act swiftly in order to resolve this issue.”
Further down south, the scenario remains unchanged.
In Akwa Ibom, residents are also experiencing the impact of increased prices for tomatoes, peppers, and onions.
A market survey conducted by The PUNCH in Uyo showed a significant rise in the costs of various goods, contrasting with the pricing from the previous week.
A merchant at Itam Market within the Itu Local Government Area shared his experience under the pseudonym Suleiman. He mentioned that onions, previously priced at N60,000 per bag last week, have increased to N75,000. Additionally, he noted that potato prices rose from N45,000 to N53,000 per bag.
Suleiman mentioned that other products, such as tomatoes, have also been out of stock.
Mrs. Glory Edet, who sells goods at Urua Ekpa market, expressed frustration over the rising costs of the products.
She mentioned, “Today (Wednesday), I visited the marketplace intending to purchase items at the usual cost. However, upon arrival, I found out that the prices had increased. Consequently, I returned since informing clients about the revised pricing would make them skeptical.”
In the bustling Ketu Mile 12 Market in Lagos, our correspondent discovered that a small basket of tomatoes, priced at N7,000 just last week, has risen to N14,000. Similarly, a large basket of tomatoes, formerly selling for N20,000 to N25,000, is now being offered within the range of N35,000 to N40,000.
Likewise, a bag of pepper (Sombo), previously priced at N35,000, now costs N130,000; Tatase, which used to be N40,000, has also risen to N130,000.
Nonetheless, a variety of pepper (ata rodo), originally priced at N120,000, has now decreased to N90,000.
Mama Osawese, a food seller in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, mentioned that she purchased a bundle of vegetables for N1000 on Wednesday, even though it was priced at N400 at the New Benin Market.
At Aduwawa Market, Mallam Haruna, who sells tomatoes and peppers, said prices of both produce went up because fewer trucks brought them to Edo from the North this week.
In Yenagoa, located in Bayelsa State, there was a minor rise in the pricing of perishable goods.
Yusuf Yahaya, a trader based at the Swali Ultra-Modern Market, linked the situation to the Sallah festivities.
“Yes, there has been a slight increase in the prices of peppers, tomatoes and onions, but it is not due to the collapsed bridge at Mokwa.
The rise in food prices can be attributed to the Sallah festivities. The supplies for this area usually pass through one path to reach Lagos, whereas the goods entering Bayelsa follow a different route.
Mrs Rachael Emuesiri stated that even though the price hike was minimal, it had an impact because of the struggling economy.
“She noted that although the rise was minimal, it had added to their difficulties.”
In the bustling Ogbogonogo and Oko markets of Delta State, a bucket of tomatoes currently costs between N8,000 and N9,000, up from N6,000 just last week.
Madam Uju, a vendor selling tomatoes, mentioned that a basket of tomatoes, previously priced at N35,000 based on the size, has risen to N50,000 and more nowadays.
People living in Osogbo, Osun State, expressed their dissatisfaction over the abrupt increase in the price of pepper and attributed this issue to the deteriorated condition of the Mokwa bridge.
In discussions with The PUNCH, vendors and customers at the Igbona, Oluode, and Alekuwodo markets voiced their frustration about the circumstances.
Owolafe Amina and Risikat Oyetayo, who sell peppers at Igbona and Oluode markets, mentioned they couldn’t obtain enough stock lately. They noted that their supply entirely depended on the pepper grown in Oke Ila within Osun State over the past week.
A housewife from Osogbo, Mrs. Alice, mentioned that numerous pepper vendors were absent from the market because they weren’t getting supplies from the Northern region, as she stated this shortage was responsible for driving up prices.
She stated, “The costs of different types of peppers have risen significantly in the statewide markets. Previously, suppliers from the north were providing for the traders, but as of today (Wednesday), these sellers are notably absent from the marketplace.”
We learned that individuals who transported the item couldn’t pass through Mokwa since the bridge was compromised. The pepper you see nearby originates primarily from local farms, particularly those situated around Oke Ila in Osun State. This restricted availability is responsible for driving up prices.
Additionally,Cross River inhabitants urged the authorities to promptly tackle the escalating prices of food products.
During an interview on Wednesday at the bustling Watt Market in Calabar, trader Etim Bassey stated, “We’ve been battling to make ends meet for several months as purchasing basic food items has become increasingly difficult due to their exorbitant prices.”
“I am unsure when the cost of groceries will decrease so that ordinary people can afford to eat. The authorities ought to take action regarding this,” he remarked.
A trader identifying herself as Mrs. Magdalene Okon also commented, saying, “Previously, last year, I was able to purchase a basket of onions and peppers for ₦8000. However, currently, the prices have surged significantly. How am I supposed to provide food for my kids?”
Ekom-Abasi Nyong said, “Given that my spouse’s income struggles to keep up with rising prices, I frequently face the tough choice between buying food and purchasing basic home necessities. This circumstance is disheartening. The administration ought to provide assistance. This isn’t amusing anymore.”
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