Nigeria’s Ebeano Supermarket faces backlash over tomato prices

NIGERIA – In Abuja, Nigeria, Ebeano Supermarket is facing public outrage for the sharp increase in tomato prices amid a severe shortage.

Social media has been flooded with images showing three tomatoes priced at N6,950 (USD 5.21), sparking widespread criticism.

The scarcity of tomatoes and peppers has been attributed to a disease outbreak known locally as Tomato Ebola.

This outbreak has devastated tomato farms in Northern Nigeria, leading to a significant decline in supply.

A state of emergency has been declared in one northern state due to the pest infestation caused by moths, which have destroyed large portions of the tomato crop. As a result, prices have soared, and consumers are turning to alternative sources for these essential staples.

According to recent analyses, the price of tomatoes in Nigeria has risen by over 200 percent this year. Nigerian experts point to seasonal factors and high transportation costs as the primary drivers of this increase.

Mira Mehta, a well-known tomato producer in Nigeria, offers a different perspective. She attributes the price surge to the rainy season and transportation challenges.

“During Nigeria’s wet season, it is hard to grow open-field tomatoes,” Mehta explained on X (formerly Twitter). “Every year in June, the prices go up.”

Mehta also highlighted the significant costs associated with transporting tomatoes from northern Nigeria to other parts of the country.

Poor road conditions during the rainy season slow down truck movements, increasing transportation costs and causing damage to the tomatoes in transit due to high humidity.

“It costs between N3.1 million (USD 1999.50) and N3.3 million (USD 2128.50) to transport 335 to 370 baskets of tomatoes on a 12- or 14-tyre truck to Lagos from northern Nigeria,” she noted.

The drastic price increases have left many Nigerians struggling to afford basic ingredients. Social media users have expressed their frustration and disbelief over the high prices, with many calling for regulatory intervention.

“I can’t believe the price of tomatoes has gotten this high. It’s almost impossible to cook traditional meals now,” one user lamented on Twitter.

The Nigerian government has acknowledged the crisis and is exploring measures to mitigate the impact on consumers.

Efforts are underway to address the pest problem and improve road infrastructure to facilitate better transportation of agricultural goods.

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