Some Lagos State residents and traders have lamented the scarcity and increasing cost of plantain in the state, describing it as the new gold in the country.
The residents expressed their displeasure over the situation in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
Mrs Judith Amen, a general foodstuff trader at the Amuwo Odofin area of the state, said the produce is out of season, hence the current hike and scarcity.
“Plantain is presently out of season, hence the exorbitant price for just a few pieces of the produce.
“A big bunch of fresh plantain costs as much as N30,000 at Mile 12 market presently as against N10,000 or N12,000 we bought in recent months.
“The kind of plantain we see in the market are not fresh and big and due to the high demand for it, the farmers harvest them before they are mature.
“Even at that size, a small bunch of four pieces presently sells at N3,000. Only a few people can afford plantain now, we hope it gets better. For me, I have stopped stocking them,” Amen said.
Also, another trader, Mrs Josephine Okoro, a plantain vendor at the Gbaja Market in Surulere, Lagos, blamed seasonal fluctuations and rising fuel cost as the reasons behind the recent surge in plantain prices.
“Plantain is currently out of season. So, we’ll have to wait until September or possibly a bit earlier for it to become more readily available.
“Compared to 2022, the prices have increased significantly due to higher transportation cost following the fuel price hike.
“Transporters are now charging double, and the rain has damaged some of the harvests. That’s why plantains aren’t as affordable as they used to be.
“Once the new harvest comes in, we can expect fresher and more affordable plantain. Currently, prices range from around N2,000 for smaller ones to N5,000 for larger ones.
“While the cheaper option might seem appealing, it’s worth noting that the smaller plantains may not offer the best value for money. For a better deal, consider purchasing the larger ones, which cost between N5,000 and N10,000,” Okoro said.
Mrs Adebisi Ayefeso, a Surulere buka owner, said plantain prices have tripled, and customers are unhappy with smaller portions.
“Last year, I could buy a full tray of plantain for N5,000. Now, I’m spending N15,000 and still not getting enough.
“Customers get upset when portions are small, but I can only make do with what I get at the market,” Ayefeso said.
On her part, Mrs Mary Babalola, a civil servant, said the produce is more affordable at the border areas of the state.
“Plantain is really costly, I bought four small pieces for N2,000, and it was not enough for my two children.
“The sizes are also very small when compared with fleshy ones we bought last year.
“I do not know why it is expensive in Lagos, but last month, I bought a very big bunch at the Badagry area of the state at N2,000.
“I do not know why the price discrepancy is so high from one area of the state to another,” Babalola said.
Also, Mrs Cornelia Edet, a resident at the Gbagada area of state, said the increased price has reduced the desire for the consumption of the produce.
“My husband bought a small bunch of plantain at N5,000 because he loves it so much. But I would not buy it at that exorbitant price. I will wait till it is in season.
“We are grateful it is not a major staple, otherwise, we would have all gone hungry,” Edet said.
NAN
