Traders and consumers in Lagos have lamented the sharp increase in ginger prices, attributing it to insecurity in major producing communities, dwindling supplies, and rising transportation costs.
The respondents, who spoke with reporters on Sunday, said the situation has made the popular spice increasingly unaffordable for many households.
Ginger is widely used in Nigerian homes for cooking, beverages, and traditional remedies due to its distinctive flavor and perceived health benefits.
The spice is primarily produced in Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau states before being transported to markets nationwide.
However, traders reported a significant decline in supplies reaching Lagos markets in recent months, leading to steep price hikes.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed Nigeria’s ginger exports dropped by 74 percent to N6.28 billion in the first nine months of 2024, compared with N23.76 billion in the same period of 2023.
Industry stakeholders partly attribute this decline to disease outbreaks affecting ginger farms in key producing states, including Kaduna and Kano.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, noted that ginger farmers have lost over N12 billion to the epidemic since 2023.
Speaking with reporters, Mr. Ademola Oduyemi, Public Relations Officer of Oyingbo Market, said insecurity in farming communities has disrupted cultivation and harvesting activities.
He explained that many farmers can no longer access their farms due to security concerns.
“Some farmers are unable to harvest their crops, while others are reluctant to plant, reducing the volume of ginger in the market and causing scarcity,” he said.
Oduyemi noted that the shortage has pushed prices to unprecedented levels.
“A paint bucket of ginger now sells for between N40,000 and N46,000, depending on size and quality.
Half a paint bucket costs between N22,500 and N23,000, while a derica measures about N12,000.
Many retail buyers who cannot afford larger quantities now purchase individual pieces, which sell for about N500 each,” he added.
He further stated that rising transport costs and increasing demand have worsened the supply challenge.
“If farmers can safely return to their farms and increase production, supply will improve, and prices may stabilize,” he said.
Mrs. Florence Akinfolubi, a ginger trader at Oyingbo Market, said reduced supplies from producing states continue to affect availability.
“We receive far less ginger than before. When supply drops, prices go up.
Transportation costs have also increased significantly. Moving produce from the North to Lagos is more expensive, and that reflects in market prices,” she said.
Mr. Abdullahi Musa, another trader, explained that growing consumer demand is putting additional pressure on supplies.
“More people now buy ginger regularly for its health benefits.
Demand is increasing, but supply isn’t keeping pace, which pushes prices higher,” he said.
At Lawanson Market, Mrs. Iyabo Daleko, a spice dealer, said traders are struggling to sustain their businesses.
“We spend more on purchasing and transporting ginger, yet customers complain whenever prices rise.
Many buyers now settle for smaller quantities because they can’t afford what they used to buy,” she said.
Consumers also voiced concerns over the persistent price hikes.
Mrs. Janet Madueke described the situation as frustrating.
“A tiny piece of ginger now sells for about N1,000 near my home in Surulere.
The price is outrageous, and the quality doesn’t seem as good as before,” she said.
Mrs. Funmilayo Ogunleye added that rising ginger costs are straining household budgets.
“I use ginger regularly for cooking and drinks.
The price has almost doubled this year, so I buy less and use it more sparingly,” she said.
Mr. Adewale Balogun said he has reduced his purchases because of the cost.
“Ginger is a staple in my home, especially for tea and drinks.
What N1,000 used to buy no longer goes far. It’s becoming difficult for average families,” he said.
Some residents warned that continued price increases could worsen the cost-of-living challenges for many households.
They urged authorities to strengthen security in farming communities, improve agricultural production, address transportation issues, and enhance food distribution to stabilize prices.
They emphasized that ginger remains an essential household commodity whose availability and affordability should be prioritized.
