Some traders and residents in Lagos have expressed relief over the gradual drop in tomato prices across major markets.
They said the development had made the commodity more affordable, although some consumers still considered the prices relatively high.
The traders and consumers spoke in separate interviews with reporters on Sunday in Lagos.
In late May and June, a 50kg basket of tomatoes sold for between N100,000 and N130,000.
A 25kg crate also sold for between N48,000 and N50,000 during the period.
Currently, a 50kg basket sells for between N40,000 and N45,000, depending on the variety.
At Ile-Epo, Oyingbo and Ojuelegba markets, traders said the decline had brought some relief after months of steep prices.
Mr Musa Ahmed, a trader at Ile-Epo Market, attributed the decline to early harvests in some northern states.
He expressed optimism that prices would fall further as more states commence harvesting in the coming weeks.
“We are happy that the price of tomatoes is gradually declining because harvests have begun in some states up North.
“We expect a further drop in the price as more farmers in other states commence harvesting of the produce,” Ahmed said.
Mrs Toyin Akinjide, another tomato trader, said the price of a paint bucket had dropped from N12,000 last month to N9,000.
“The price has dropped because farmers are harvesting, in spite of insecurity threats.
“Though the price is gradually dropping, our customers are complaining about low purchasing power.
“I don’t know if the price will continue to go down. We should be praying so that things don’t become more costly,” Akinjide said.
Mr Umar Buhari, a trader around Oyingbo, said a paint bucket currently sold for N6,000, adding that supplies had improved.
“I’m very happy because the farmers are really supplying us and our customers are also comfortable with the prices.
“The price is okay for me to make enough profit and for the customer to afford,” Buhari said.
Another tomato trader at Ojuelegba, Mr Mustapha Abdullahi, said retail prices had changed, with some tomatoes now selling between N500 and N1,000.
“The price is okay now, and customers no longer complain about the prices.
“We hope prices will remain stable so both traders and buyers can plan better,” Abdullahi said.
For some consumers, however, the recent decline is yet to bring the much-needed relief to household budgets.
Mrs Titilayo Jeuntosun, a consumer in Yaba, said tomatoes remained considerably expensive in spite of the recent reduction.
“I went to Mile 12 to buy pepper, but my money was still not enough because the price was still high.
“The price should be much lower than what they are selling at this period, but tomatoes are still expensive to buy.
“This is the period the price is meant to drop drastically because we are in the season, but it’s still expensive to buy,” Jeuntosun said.
Mrs Lara Adeyemi, another consumer, said the price was manageable, although she could not afford to buy tomatoes in larger quantities.
“The price is okay for me. I’m still managing to buy the regular tomatoes, but the paint and basket are still too expensive,” Adeyemi said.
For traders, the falling prices mean better supplies and happier customers, while consumers are hoping the downward trend will continue and make tomatoes more affordable.
