The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that the Prices of Beef and Yam experienced a year-on-year increase of 24.9 percent and 22.8 percent respectively in May.
These figures highlight the ongoing upward Trend in the prices of goods and services throughout the Country.
Additionally, a recent Market survey conducted by Kukuruku-news Indicates a Substantial rise in the Price of Tomatoes, a key food item, with a staggering 140 percent Increase within four Months.
As of yesterday, the price of tomatoes had reached N6,000, up from N2,500 in February 2023.
The escalating Costs are evident in various Markets, particularly in Lagos and Abuja, Mile 12 food market now records a Price of N30,000 per crate of unbroken Tomatoes, doubling its previous value of N15,000.
Similarly, a basket of Tomatoes currently ranges from N70,000 to N90,000, reflecting a Significant surge from the previous range of N38,000 to N45,000.
The persistent Increase in Prices has resulted in a May Inflation rate of 22.41 percent, Marking the highest level seen in 15 years.
In light of the escalating Tomato Prices, Mrs. Folashade Omotayo, a tomato seller in Iyana-Iba market, Lagos, mentioned that a Crate of Tomatoes sourced from Mile 12 market now Costs N30,000, while a Basket can Cost anywhere between N70,000 and N90,000, depending on its Size.
Mrs. Omotayo further explained that Farmers attributed the surge in Tomato Prices to off-season Scarcity, pest-related challenges, and Increased logistics Costs.
To cope with the situation, she resorts to mixing the Sale of the more affordable Yoruba tomato species with the Pricier Hausa species.
Commenting on the Sales situation, Mrs. Ramota Kazeem, a Tomato Seller at Wuse market, Abuja, expressed her frustration with poor Sales.
She noted a decline in Patronage and shared that she now Sells four to five large Tomatoes for N1,000 and four small tomatoes for N500, whereas previously, the same quantity was sold for N200.
Only a limited number of Customers are currently frequenting her Stall.
