A sharp surge in the price of ginger has triggered fresh concerns among traders, consumers, and food industry stakeholders in Lagos, as insecurity in farming communities, dwindling production, disease outbreaks, and rising transportation costs continue to squeeze supplies of one of Nigeria’s most widely used spices.
Across major markets in the commercial city, traders alleged that ginger prices have reached unprecedented levels, forcing households to cut back on purchases and intensifying the cost-of-living pressures already confronting many Nigerians.
The spice, a staple ingredient in cooking, beverages, and traditional medicine, has become increasingly scarce in recent months, with market operators warning that the situation could worsen if urgent measures are not taken to address challenges affecting production and distribution.
At Oyingbo Market yesterday, one of Lagos’ largest food distribution hubs, traders described a market struggling with inadequate supplies from key ginger-producing states such as Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the market, Ademola Oduyemi, insecurity in several farming communities has severely disrupted agricultural activities.
“Many farmers can no longer access their farms due to security threats. Some are unable to harvest their crops, while others are reluctant to plant at all. The result is that less ginger is reaching the markets, creating scarcity and driving prices upward.”
Oduyemi disclosed that a paint bucket of ginger now sells for between N40,000 and N46,000, depending on quality and size, while half a paint bucket costs between N22,500 and N23,000. A derica measure now sells for about N12,000.
It was learnt that many consumers who are unable to afford bulk purchases have resorted to selling ginger in retail to assist the consumers.
The marker’s spokesperson disclosed that individual pieces now sell for around N500, and in some areas even higher,” he said.
The supply crisis comes amid worrying national figures showing a decline in Nigeria’s ginger industry.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicate that ginger exports fell by 74 per cent to N6.28 billion during the first nine months of 2024, compared to N23.76 billion recorded during the same period in 2023.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, had earlier revealed that ginger farmers have suffered losses exceeding N12 billion since 2023 due to the epidemic.
Market operators, meanwhile, argued that transportation costs have further compounded the crisis.
A ginger trader at Oyingbo Market, Florence Akinfolubi, said the cost of moving produce from northern Nigeria to Lagos has increased significantly.
“We receive far less ginger than before. Whenever supply falls, prices automatically rise. The cost of transporting goods from the North has become extremely high, and that additional expense is eventually passed on to consumers.”
Another trader, Abdullahi Musa, pointed to changing consumer habits as an additional factor fueling the price surge.
“More people are now buying ginger regularly because of its health benefits. Demand keeps rising every day, but supply is not increasing at the same rate. Naturally, prices will continue to go up.”
The situation is equally challenging for traders at Lawanson Market, where spice dealer Iyabo Daleko said profit margins are shrinking despite rising prices.
“We spend much more to buy and transport ginger, but customers become upset whenever prices increase. Many people who used to buy larger quantities now settle for very small amounts because of the cost.”
For consumers, the rising price of ginger has become yet another burden in an economy already grappling with inflation and escalating food prices.
Janet Madueke, a resident of Surulere, described the situation as alarming.
“A tiny piece of ginger now sells for about N1,000 in the market near my house,” she lamented.
“The price is outrageous, and even with the high cost, the quality is not as good as what we used to get.”
Another consumer, Funmilayo Ogunleye, said she has been forced to ration her ginger consumption.
“I use ginger frequently for cooking and making drinks, but the price has almost doubled compared to earlier this year. I now buy less and use it more carefully.”
Similarly, Adewale Balogun noted that the quantity of ginger he can purchase with N1,000 has reduced significantly.
“Ginger is essential in my home, especially for tea and herbal drinks. What N1,000 could buy a few months ago cannot be compared to what it buys today. It is becoming difficult for ordinary families.”