On Monday, Shehu Usman Jubrin, the Chairman of the Mile 12 International Market in Lagos, Nigeria, explained the recent spike in prices for tomatoes, peppers, and other perishable goods.
During a candid conversation with journalists, Jubrin emphasized that the worsening insecurity in Northern Nigeria is a significant factor driving up the prices of tomatoes, peppers, and other perishable items. Jubrin noted that the volatile situation in the North has disrupted food supply chains, making it increasingly difficult and expensive for traders to transport goods from the region to Lagos.
“The bone of contention, the real fact is just insecurity. Let me tell you, that’s the truth. And there’s absolutely nothing the country will do.
“This price hike will continue. They are still buying tomato, at the rate of N1,000 for three pieces,” he said.
Usman further emphasized that the crippling effect of the insurgency on farmers is a major catalyst for the steep rise in prices of perishable goods. According to Usman, an overwhelming majority of farmers are currently living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, unable to continue with their usual farming activities. Those farmers who are brave enough to venture into their fields often face grave danger from bandits, forcing them to bargain with these armed groups just to harvest their produce.
“In those places where you are getting all these items, there are negotiations between them and the bandits who ask them, ‘How much are you going to pay me to harvest and bring to the market?’
“So, for as long as those people are in IDP camps, the country will continue to be in trouble in terms of food items,” he said.
