Rahab Yusuf
As faithful in Kano State prepare to join millions of Muslims across the world for Eid-el-Kabir celebration (Sallah) on Wednesday, the rising prices of tomatoes, pepper, and other essential food items have become a major concern for families and traders alike in the state.
A market survey conducted by Stallion Times reporter on Tuesday in some major markets in Kano metropolis revealed sharp increases in the cost of fresh produce, especially tomatoes and peppers, which are widely used in preparing festive meals during the Sallah period.
At the popular vegetable market in Yankaba, Hadejia Road, shoppers are grappling with rising prices of tomatoes, pepper, and onions as they prepare for the upcoming Sallah celebrations.
Today, the market is bustling with activity as buyers moved from stall to stall, negotiating prices in search of affordable deals.
However, many expressed concern over the sharp increase in the cost of essential cooking ingredients.
Aisha Ibrahim, a shopper at the market, said the prices were higher than she expected.
“The prices have gone up. I will try again tomorrow to see. If it persists, I will look for another alternative for the children’s sake,” she said.
Traders attributed the increase to growing demand ahead of the Sallah festivities.
Abdullahi Kwaki, a tomato and pepper vendor, said a sack of Tashashe and Ataruhu that was usually sold for about N25,000 a month ago now costs between N110,000 and N130,000.
He added that despite the increase, customers continue to purchase the commodities.
“People are still buying despite the increase, and demand keeps pushing the prices higher,” he said.
He also notes that onions have significantly reduced from the previous price of N70,000 to N15,000 at the moment.
Another trader, Aminu Sale, also confirmed the rise in prices, noting that a basket of tomatoes that previously sold for between N40,000 now sells for about N110,000.
Some buyers, however, said the situation was not as difficult as they had anticipated.
“Alhamdulillah, the prices are up, but not as I had expected. We’ll manage with what we have,” said Safiya Yusuf, a shopper at the market.
At the popular Sabo Gari Market, Traders said the cost of a basket of tomatoes has almost doubled within weeks, while pepper prices continue to rise daily due to high transportation costs and limited supply from farming communities.
One of the traders, Malam Nasiru Bello, explained that insecurity and poor road conditions affecting food supply routes have contributed to the persistent increase in prices.
“Before now, we sold a basket of tomatoes for about N20,000, but now it goes for over N38,000. Transporters are charging more, and the goods are not coming in regularly,” he said.
Another trader, Mrs. Esther Samuel, noted that customers now buy in smaller quantities because many can no longer afford the previous market prices.
“People complain every day. Some buyers who used to buy full paint buckets now settle for smaller measures just to manage their cooking needs for Sallah,” she stated.
Residents who spoke to Stallion Times described the situation as frustrating, especially at a time when many households are already battling rising costs of food and transportation.
Suleiman Ado from Brigade quarters, said many families may be unable to prepare elaborate meals during the celebration due to the high cost of ingredients.
“Sallah is tomorrow, but things are becoming difficult. Even basic items for stew are too expensive for ordinary people,” he lamented.
At Rimi Market in the city of Kano, a basket of tomatoes that was sold for between N18,000 and N22,000 a few weeks ago now goes for as high as N40,000, depending on quality and size. Similarly, a small basket of pepper has risen from N10,000 to about N18,000.
Traders there attributed the hike to transportation costs, seasonal shortages, and the impact of extreme weather conditions affecting supply from farming communities.
One of the traders, Mariya Abdullahi, said the situation has affected both sellers and buyers.
“People come to the market daily hoping prices will reduce, but instead, things keep going up. Transportation from the farms is very expensive, and some produce is getting spoiled before arriving,” she said.
Another trader, Ibrahim Sani, explained that insecurity along some major roads used for transporting perishable goods from northern farming belts has also contributed to the increase in prices.
According to him, many farmers are unable to cultivate as expected due to fear of attacks and rising farming costs.
The development has left many residents worried about how to cope with Sallah expenses amid the current economic realities.
A resident of Yakasai, Fatima Usman, who spoke to our reporter, lamented that preparing meals for family members during the festive period may become difficult if prices continue to rise.
“We are already struggling with the cost of rice, oil, and other food items. Now, tomatoes and peppers are becoming unaffordable.
“Sallah should be a time of joy, but many families are under pressure,” she said.
Some consumers appealed to the government to intervene by supporting farmers with fertilizers, improved security, and better transportation systems to reduce post-harvest losses and stabilize food prices.
Our reporter observed that prices of perishables differ in all three major markets visited.
Despite the challenges, many residents and shoppers are hopeful that prices may drop later in the day as more supplies enter the markets.
