The prices of onions and tomatoes have surged across major markets in Enugu, leaving households struggling with higher food costs and forcing some traders to reconsider their businesses.
A market survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, showed that prices of the two essential cooking ingredients had risen considerably compared with August and September.
Traders attributed the increases to expensive transportation, deteriorating roads, insecurity along major supply routes and shortages of agricultural produce arriving from northern Nigeria.
Onion Prices Rise Above ₦270,000 in Enugu
At New Garki Market, onion trader Ibekaku Orji said a large bag of onions now costs between ₦272,000 and ₦280,000, compared with ₦170,000 to ₦185,000 in September.
The figures indicate an increase of roughly 47% to 65%, depending on the prices compared.
Orji said smaller bags were selling for ₦137,000 to ₦140,000, while a paint bucket of onions had climbed to between ₦10,000 and ₦11,000.
Previously, buyers paid about ₦5,000 to ₦6,000 for the same bucket measure.
He explained that the rising cost of onions could not be attributed to seasonal fluctuations alone.
According to him, the poor condition of roads connecting northern producing areas to southern markets, increasing haulage charges and security concerns were making supplies more expensive.
These challenges, he said, had contributed to the unusually high prices recorded in Enugu markets.
Enugu Trader Stops Selling Onions as Customers Complain
The situation has become particularly difficult for small-scale traders who depend on regular purchases from households and food vendors.
At New Market, Aria, onion seller Maxwell Agu disclosed that he had temporarily withdrawn from the business because of the rising cost of the commodity.
Agu said customers had repeatedly complained about the prices, making it increasingly difficult to maintain normal sales.
He explained that he decided to stop purchasing fresh onion stock until market conditions became more favourable.
His experience reflects the pressure that high food prices can place on traders as well as consumers.
Tomato Prices Climb to ₦68,000 Per Basket
Tomatoes, another widely used ingredient in Nigerian households, have also become more expensive in Enugu.
The NAN survey found that a large basket now sells for between ₦60,000 and ₦68,000, depending on the variety.
In August and September, similar baskets were sold for between ₦45,000 and ₦50,000.
A smaller basket currently costs between ₦40,000 and ₦45,500, while a paint bucket sells for ₦7,000 to ₦8,000.
The bucket measure previously cost between ₦5,000 and ₦5,500.
The increases have raised concerns among traders and buyers who had expected tomato prices to ease as the harvest season progressed.
Enugu Onion and Tomato Price Comparison
| Commodity | Earlier price | October 21, 2026 |
| ———————— | —————– | —————– |
| Large bag of onions | ₦170,000–₦185,000 | ₦272,000–₦280,000 |
| Small bag of onions | Not stated | ₦137,000–₦140,000 |
| Paint bucket of onions | ₦5,000–₦6,000 | ₦10,000–₦11,000 |
| Large basket of tomatoes | ₦45,000–₦50,000 | ₦60,000–₦68,000 |
| Small basket of tomatoes | Not stated | ₦40,000–₦45,500 |
| Paint bucket of tomatoes | ₦5,000–₦5,500 | ₦7,000–₦8,000 |.
Tomato Shortages in Northern Nigeria Affect Enugu Markets
At New Akwata Market in Garki, tomato dealer Ekwutosi Iyi blamed the price increases on inadequate supplies from northern agricultural centres.
She said the UTC tomato variety commonly transported from Jos in Plateau State remained scarce despite the arrival of its expected harvest period.
According to Iyi, October would ordinarily bring increased availability of the variety, helping to reduce prices.
However, supplies have remained below traders’ expectations, keeping wholesale and retail prices elevated.
She added that tomatoes arriving from Benue State were also expected to provide buyers with more affordable alternatives during the period.
The continuing shortages have prevented the anticipated seasonal price reductions.
Traders Warn That Tomato Prices Could Remain High
Elizabeth Onu, a tomato seller at Ogbete Market, expressed concern that prices might remain elevated unless supplies improve.
She said the approach of the main harvest period would offer little relief if sufficient quantities of tomatoes failed to reach Enugu markets.
Onu’s concerns highlight the importance of reliable transportation and distribution networks in ensuring that agricultural produce reaches consumers at reasonable prices.
For traders, uncertainty over supply makes it difficult to predict future prices or plan purchases.
Consumers Demand Government Intervention
At Mayor Market, buyer Chinasa Ugwunze expressed surprise that tomato prices remained high despite the commencement of harvesting activities.
Ugwunze said consumers traditionally expected prices to decline during the later months of the year when fresh produce became more readily available.
Instead, households were facing higher costs for basic ingredients used in everyday cooking.
He urged the government to invest in modern storage facilities capable of preserving perishable agricultural products and reducing waste.
Such infrastructure, he argued, would help maintain food supplies during periods of scarcity and reduce sudden price fluctuations.
Rising Food Costs Put Pressure on Enugu Households
The latest increases underline the difficulties facing Nigeria’s agricultural supply chain, particularly the movement of fresh produce from northern farming communities to southern consumer markets.
Long-distance transportation, insecurity, poor infrastructure and inadequate preservation facilities can all affect the final prices paid by consumers.
For families in Enugu, the immediate challenge is finding ways to manage higher food expenses as traders wait for improved supplies.
Whether onion and tomato prices will ease in the coming weeks remains uncertain, with sellers warning that meaningful reductions will depend largely on the availability and cost of fresh produce.
