The bridge, a vital link between the North and South, was destroyed by flooding, stranding hundreds of trucks conveying perishables and livestock.
With Eid-el-Kabir days away, Nigerians are reeling from a sharp spike in the prices of tomatoes, peppers, and onions following the collapse of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State.
The bridge, a vital link between the North and South, was destroyed by flooding, stranding hundreds of trucks conveying perishables and livestock.
Market surveys across states including Lagos, Kwara, Osun, Akwa Ibom, and Kaduna revealed prices have doubled or tripled. “Fifteen trucks conveying perishable items worth N250m are stuck in transit,” said Alhaji Umarun Basiru, Kebbi State Tomatoes Traders Association Chairman.
At Mile 12 Market, Lagos, a big basket of tomatoes now sells for N35,000–N40,000, up from N20,000. In Ilorin, prices rose by over 10%, while in Uyo, onions surged from N60,000 to N75,000 per bag.
A Gombe farmer, Garba Yusuf, warned, “Some commodities would be damaged before they get to their destination.”
Traders, vendors, and consumers nationwide lament the financial strain. “The Federal Government should collaborate with Niger State to fix the bridge,” said Ibrahim Muhammad of Kasuwa Tomatoes Market in Lafia.
Truck drivers and food vendors call for urgent government intervention, fearing massive losses, food scarcity, and worsening hardship during the Sallah festivities.