ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Rising insecurity in major ginger-producing communities, declining output and increasing transportation costs have triggered a sharp increase in the price of ginger, leaving traders and consumers in Lagos struggling with the impact.
Stakeholders who spoke on Sunday said the soaring cost of the spice has placed it beyond the reach of many households, with supplies from key producing states failing to meet growing demand.
Ginger, a staple in many Nigerian homes for cooking, beverages and traditional remedies, is largely cultivated in Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau states before being distributed across the country.
However, traders said supplies arriving in Lagos markets have dropped considerably in recent months, resulting in significant price hikes.
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Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that Nigeria’s ginger exports fell by 74 per cent to N6.28bn in the first nine months of 2024 from N23.76bn recorded during the same period in 2023.
Industry players have attributed the decline partly to disease outbreaks that affected ginger farms in major producing states, including Kaduna and Kano.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, had disclosed that ginger farmers have lost more than N12bn to the epidemic since 2023.
Speaking on the development, the Public Relations Officer of Oyingbo Market, Mr. Ademola Oduyemi, said insecurity in farming communities had disrupted cultivation and harvesting activities.
According to him, reports from suppliers indicate that many farmers can no longer access their farms because of security challenges.
“Some farmers are unable to harvest their crops, while others are reluctant to plant. This has reduced the volume of ginger coming into the market and contributed to the scarcity we are witnessing,” he said.
Oduyemi noted that the shortage has pushed prices to record levels.
“A paint bucket of ginger now sells for between N40,000 and N46,000, depending on size and quality.
“Half a paint bucket costs between N22,500 and N23,000, while a derica measurement sells for about N12,000.
“Many retail buyers who cannot afford larger quantities now purchase individual pieces, which sell for about N500 each,” he said.
He added that higher transportation costs and increasing demand have further worsened the situation.
“If farmers can safely return to their farms and production improves, supply will increase and prices may stabilise,” he said.
A ginger trader at Oyingbo Market, Mrs. Florence Akinfolubi, also linked the rising prices to dwindling supplies from producing states.
“We receive far less ginger than before. Whenever supply drops, prices inevitably rise.
“Transportation costs have also increased considerably. Moving produce from the North to Lagos is more expensive, and that reflects in market prices,” she said.
Another trader, Mr. Abdullahi Musa, said the growing popularity of ginger because of its health benefits has increased pressure on available supplies.
“More people now buy ginger regularly because of its health benefits.
“Demand keeps increasing, but supply is not keeping pace, and that is driving prices higher,” he said.
At Lawanson Market, spice dealer Mrs. Iyabo Daleko said traders are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the rising costs.
“We spend more on purchasing and transporting ginger, yet customers complain whenever prices go up.
“Many buyers now settle for smaller quantities because they can no longer afford what they used to buy,” she said.
Consumers also expressed concern over the continuous increase in prices.
Mrs. Janet Madueke described the situation as frustrating.
“A tiny piece of ginger now sells for about N1,000 in the market near my residence in Surulere.
“The price is outrageous, and despite the cost, the quality does not appear to be as good as before,” she said.
Similarly, Mrs. Funmilayo Ogunleye said the rising cost of ginger has placed additional pressure on household spending.
“I use ginger regularly for cooking and preparing drinks.
“The price has almost doubled compared with what I paid earlier this year, so I now buy less and use it more sparingly,” she said.
Mr. Adewale Balogun said he has also cut back on purchases because of the escalating prices.
“Ginger is a staple in my home, especially for tea and other drinks.
“These days, what N1,000 used to buy can no longer go far. It is becoming difficult for average families,” he said.
Residents warned that continued increases in the prices of food items and spices could deepen the cost-of-living pressures facing many households.
They called on government authorities to improve security in farming communities, boost agricultural production, address transportation challenges and strengthen food distribution systems to help stabilise prices.
According to them, ginger remains an essential household commodity whose affordability and availability should be protected.