Pepper scarcity hits Ilorin as ram prices skyrocket ahead Eid-el-Kabir

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

Pepper, a common spice in the cuisines of many Nigerians has suddenly become scarce in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital even as prices of other food items increase daily.

At the Mandate market, an ultramodern market in Ilorin West Local Government Area where pepper is sold in large quantities, the commodity has become expensive in the last few weeks, WESTERN POST correspondent gathered. But now, the product has become scarce.

WESTERN POST investigations revealed that the scarcity of the food item was due to flooding and pest attacks in the North where pepper is grown in large quantities.

A small container of tomatoes formerly sold for N150 now sells for N10,000 while a basket now goes for N175,000 and above.

Also, a basket of Scotch Bonnets popularly called “rodo” sold for N1,500 before, now goes for N12,000.

Similarly, a bag of onions now goes for N75,000 as against N50,000 and below that, it’s been sold.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, food prices in Nigeria increased 40.53 per cent in April of 2024 over the same month in the previous year and food Inflation reached an all-time high of 40.53 per cent in April of 2024.

WESTERN POST correspondent visited ram dealers who lamented low sales as buyers complained of the high prices of rams.

Speaking with a dealer, Mr Azeez Abdullahi said the ram that went for N50,000 a few years back is sold for between N170,000 and N200,000 and above this year.

He identified the high cost of feeds as responsible for the hike in the price of the ram.

Speaking with one Mr Usman on how the hike in the price of the ram may affect the Islamic rite as the Eid-el-Kabir festival approaches, he said some of his friends are planning to contribute money to buy a cow and share which is also acceptable in Islam as an alternative to rams.