Nigerian tomato prices rise as flooding disrupts supply, forcing consumers to seek cheaper alternatives

NIGERIA – Persistent rainfall and flooding across primary tomato-growing regions have triggered a sharp price surge, as decimated crop yields and obstructed transport routes reduce market inventory and force consumers to change buying habits.

A survey of Eke-Awka Market, Ose Main Market, Onitsha, and Nkpor Main Markets found that a basket of tomatoes previously sold for NGN 65,000 to NGN 70,000 (US$41-44) now sells for NGN 100,000 to NGN 150,000 (US$63-95), depending on size and quality.

In addition, production in Jos and Makurdi, two major tomato-growing areas, has been severely affected by continued rainfall. Flooding along transport routes has also slowed deliveries to markets across the country.

Ifeanyi Okafor, a tomato wholesaler, said, “Before now, trucks arrived almost every week with large quantities of tomatoes. These days, we receive fewer supplies and sometimes wait longer for deliveries. Scarcity has pushed up prices significantly. What we sold for NGN 70,000 a few months ago now sells for over NGN 140,000.”

Consequently, wholesalers and retailers have been forced to pass increased logistics expenses on to consumers. Traders also reported higher transport costs as roads linking production areas in the north to south-eastern markets have been affected by flooding.

Chidi Nduka stated: “The cost of moving goods has gone up, and this ultimately affects market prices. Traders are not making excessive profits; we are simply adjusting to the realities of supply and transportation challenges.”

Furthermore, the crisis highlights the fragile link between climatic conditions and Nigeria’s domestic food supply chain.

For instance, at Ose Main Market, traders described the current situation as one of the largest supply shortages experienced this year. Mma Akuchukwu said, “Customers complain every day about the prices, but we explain that the problem started from the farms. The rains damaged many farms and reduced harvests. Some customers who usually buy in baskets now purchase half baskets or smaller quantities because of the high cost.”

Retailers reported significant changes in purchasing patterns as consumers reduce volumes and seek alternatives. Sunday Iwuh noted: “People now buy only what they need for immediate cooking. Many families are substituting tomatoes with tatashe and pepper to reduce costs.”

Nevertheless, industry participants remain hopeful that market stability will return once the rainy season concludes.

Ultimately, future resilience will depend on improved irrigation infrastructure and alternative transport routes to buffer against climate-related disruptions.

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