By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

As Muslim faithful gear up for the Eid-el-Kabir (Ileya) celebration coming up this Friday, residents of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, are adjusting their cooking plans due to the rising cost of fresh pepper, popularly called Rodo, in major markets across the city.

A market survey conducted by our Correspondent at the Tomatoes and Pepper Depot, Mandate Ultra-Modern Market in Adewole, Ilorin, revealed that the continued price surge is compounding the burden of residents, particularly the low income earners.

The increase in prices has disrupted the supply chain, with many traders struggling to get adequate fresh produce, as retailers are now rationing their stock or resorting to alternative sources to meet demands.

One of the major pepper dealers at Mandate Market, Alhaji Sulyman Abubakar KK, attributed the price hike to worsening road conditions at Mokwa in Niger State and the increase in transportation costs.

Alhaji KK explained that a 100kg bag of pepper, popularly called ‘Rodo,’ now sells for between ₦180,000 and ₦200,000, while the 50kg variant goes for about ₦150,000, and 25kg is priced between ₦60,000 and ₦70,000.

Interestingly, while pepper prices have soared, tomato prices have drastically fallen as a big basket of tomatoes that sold for ₦120,000 last year now sells for between ₦35,000 and ₦60,000 depending on quality and location.

Another trader, Alhaji Wahab Kennike, said the sharp drop in tomato prices is “nothing short of divine intervention”.

Residents and traders alike are hoping for a quick improvement in supply routes and conditions, as food prices continue to be a major concern ahead of the festive season.