As Nigerians prepare for the Sallah celebration amid worsening economic hardship, the soaring prices of tomatoes and peppers are placing fresh financial pressure on households, food vendors, and traders across the country. Once regarded as basic kitchen staples, the ingredients have become increasingly expensive, forcing many families to either buy in smaller quantities or turn to cheaper alternatives to survive, AYOOLA OLASUPO report
A few days before the Sallah celebration, Mile 12 Market bustled with buyers and traders haggling over prices across crowded stalls.
Amid the noise, Rukayat Bello stood quietly, repeatedly adjusting the edge of her scarf as she counted the N1,000 notes in her purse.
“One, two, three, four…,” she murmured, staring at the tomatoes displayed in plastic bowls of various sizes.
After counting her money, she pulled out N7,000 and quietly reduced the quantity of tomatoes she intended to buy.
