Lagos residents complain about rising tomato prices and are looking for alternatives

Some residents in Lagos State have expressed concern over the recent increase in the price of tomatoes, forcing many families to adopt alternatives.

A 50kg basket of tomatoes now sells for between N115,000 and N125,000, compared to N35,000 and N40,000 recorded last month.

Ago Palace resident, Olachi Igwe, on Wednesday said the scarcity and high cost of tomatoes had disrupted her family’s food plans.

Igwe said: “I contacted my regular seller, but she said tomatoes were scarce and difficult to source.

“A small bowl that we used to buy for between N3,500 and N4,000 is now selling for up to N6,000 and N7,000, when available.

“For now, my family will resort to palm nut stew until prices stabilize.”

Another FESTAC resident, Mercy Okeleye, said although her family prefers fresh tomatoes, rising prices have forced them to look at cheaper options.

Okeleye said: “I can’t do without fresh tomatoes because of the taste, but I may have to buy split ones, popularly called ‘esha’, which are relatively cheaper.

“I don’t consider tomato paste an adequate substitute because it is not made exclusively from tomatoes.”

Additionally, Dopemu’s Tope Babalola said he may change his cooking methods if prices remain high.

Dopemu said: “I haven’t bought tomatoes for more than a month, but if the price is still high, I will use more onions and peppers.

“I won’t use artificial additives; I prefer natural ingredients for my meals.”

A civil servant living in Lekki, Oge Ugwu, said she would resort to cucumber stew due to the recent increase in prices.

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