Watermelon traders and consumers in Lagos have raised concerns over the rising prices and scarcity of the fruit, attributing the situation to high transportation costs and reduced supply from northern states.
In separate interviews on Thursday, traders lamented the significant price increases despite the upcoming harvest season in November.
Watermelon, a popular fruit in Nigerian households, is widely consumed fresh or as a refreshing snack, especially during hot weather. Rich in water content, vitamins, and antioxidants, it is favored for hydration and nutrition.
However, seasonal fluctuations, high transportation expenses, and limited local cultivation have contributed to the surge in prices.
Currently, large watermelons sell for between ₦2,500 and ₦3,000, depending on size and quality, compared to ₦1,200 to ₦1,500 at the same time last year.
Traders say the price hike has affected consumer demand and reduced profit margins.
Mr. Abdullah Musa, Chairman of the Watermelon Sellers Association at Doyin Orile Market, revealed that the cost of transporting and offloading watermelons has more than doubled in recent months.
“The cost of offloading a truck of watermelons rose from ₦1.5 million last year to ₦1.8 million in January this year, and now it is ₦3.2 million as of October,” he said.
Musa explained that most watermelons come from Kebbi, Kano, Jigawa, and Niger states, as Lagos lacks major local suppliers.
“We are currently only selling Kampala and smooth watermelon varieties. Seedless watermelons are not available,” he added.
Another trader, Ashiru Aminu from Orile Market, said watermelons are not yet in season and tend to spoil quickly, discouraging buyers.
“We hope prices and quality will improve once the peak season begins next month,” he said.
Mrs. Ajoke Adebayo, a hawker known as Iya Ajoke, noted a significant drop in profit due to rising purchase prices.
“Before, I bought a watermelon for ₦1,400, but now it costs ₦2,500. Customers complain because some fruits are either unripe or rot after cutting,” she said.
Yunusa Yayah, a seller near Orile Iganmu Police Station, confirmed the poor quality of current watermelons.
“They spoil easily, are not sweet, have little water content, and few seeds. This is because it is not yet the season,” he explained.
Yayah said while he is familiar with Kampala watermelons, which have fewer seeds, he has never encountered fully seedless varieties.
“If we can reduce reliance on distant suppliers, it will greatly benefit the business,” he added.
Mrs. Abiodun Banire, who sells fruit drinks in Surulere, said sourcing good watermelons has become a major challenge.
“Watermelon used to be the base for my recipes because it was cheap and refreshing. Now, I have to replace it with pineapple or oranges, which has reduced my profit margin,” she said.
Mrs. Oluyemisi Ishola, a resident of Iganmu, said she now buys from multiple vendors to avoid tasteless watermelons.
“I lost trust in my regular vendor after consistently getting watermelons that aren’t as red and juicy as before. I have switched to buying oranges,” she added.
