Nigerians are grappling with the rising cost of living, as daily challenges demand innovative survival strategies. One of the most pressing issues is the skyrocketing prices of tomatoes, peppers, and onions—essential ingredients in 80% of Nigerian dishes.
A N1,000 worth of tomatoes, which now includes only five medium-sized pieces, is insufficient to prepare a full pot of sauce for a household of three for a week. Many women are experimenting with alternative ingredients to complement staples like rice and yam, traditionally paired with tomato-based stews.
Adaptation and Innovation
Mrs. Gladys Maxwell, a tailor, shared her innovative solution of using cucumbers as a substitute for tomatoes after watching an online demonstration. “I used N1,000 worth of cucumber to make sauce, adding fresh pepper and palm oil for color. It was surprisingly good, and my family enjoyed it,” she said. She encouraged others to try similar adaptations to cope with the high prices.
Mrs. Hannah Mayowa, a Point of Sale (PoS) agent, also found creative ways to replace tomato sauce. “I tried making sauce with cabbage and beetroot. Boiling and blending them resulted in a mixture similar to market-bought tomato paste. It cost me just N2,000 and provided a solution to my worries,” she explained. However, she expressed hope that tomato prices would eventually decrease, as nothing compares to its taste in sauces.
Mrs. Modupeoluwa Adebowale, a trader, tried cucumber sauce but preferred using dried habanero pepper. “I soak it until soft, blend it with onion, and add sachet tomato paste. It thickens the sauce and offers a viable alternative,” she said.
Impact on Sellers
The shift to alternative ingredients has significantly affected tomato sellers and grinders. Mrs. Rahimot Mojeed, a fresh tomato seller, reported a drop in sales since prices increased. “People used to manage with fewer tomatoes when supply was low, but now they’re turning to alternatives like cucumber, carrot, and dried habanero pepper. I buy fewer tomatoes to avoid losses as they are perishable,” she noted.
Miss Patience Oboh, a pepper grinder, has also seen a decline in business. “I used to blend tomatoes for up to 20 customers daily, but now I struggle to get 10. People prefer using their blenders at home to save on the precious tomatoes,” she lamented.
Despite these challenges, there is hope among sellers and consumers that this phase will pass, and prices will stabilize, allowing for a return to traditional cooking methods.
Related topics:
Tomato Prices Skyrocket to ₹100/kg in Bhubaneswar Amid Supply Shortages
India to Resume Wheat Imports, Lower Duties Amid Rising Prices