As Eid-el-Kabir approaches, the collapse of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State has severely disrupted the supply chain of perishable goods, leading to a significant increase in the prices of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and other essential food items across Nigeria.
The Mokwa Bridge, a critical conduit for transporting agricultural produce from the northern regions to the south, was destroyed following devastating floods on May 28, 2025. This disaster resulted in over 200 fatalities, left 500 individuals missing, and displaced more than 3,000 residents. The flood also damaged key infrastructure, including roads and bridges, further complicating transportation and logistics .
Impact on Perishable Goods
The destruction of the bridge has left hundreds of trucks carrying perishable goods stranded, causing widespread spoilage and financial losses. Alhaji Isa Aliyu, National President of the National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria, confirmed that trucks transporting onions to the South-West are stuck in Mokwa. Similarly, Alhaji Umarun Basiru, Chairman of the Tomatoes Traders Association in Kebbi State, reported that at least 15 trucks loaded with tomatoes and peppers, valued at approximately N250 million, are marooned in the area.
Aminu Aliyu, a dealer based in Bauchi, noted that the stranded trucks were primarily destined for southern markets, exacerbating the scarcity of these commodities. He emphasized that the situation would worsen the already high cost of foodstuffs, particularly during the festive period when demand surges.
Nationwide Price Hikes
The ripple effects of the supply chain disruption are evident across various states:
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Kwara State: In Ilorin's Mandate and Ipata Markets, the price of a basket of tomatoes has risen from N40,000 to N50,000. A small basket that previously sold for N2,500 now costs N5,000, according to local traders.
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Lagos State: At the Mile 12 Market, a small basket of tomatoes has doubled in price from N7,000 to N14,000. A big basket now sells for between N35,000 and N40,000. The price of a bag of pepper (Sombo) has skyrocketed from N35,000 to N130,000, while Tatase peppers have also increased to N130,000.
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Akwa Ibom State: In Uyo's Itam Market, a bag of onions that sold for N60,000 last week now costs N75,000. Potatoes have increased from N45,000 to N53,000 per bag.
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Osun State: Traders in Osogbo's Igbona and Oluode markets report a reliance on locally sourced peppers from Oke Ila, as supplies from the North have dwindled. This scarcity has led to significant price hikes.
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Delta State: At the Ogbogonogo and Oko markets, a bucket of tomatoes now sells for between N8,000 and N9,000, up from N6,000 a week ago. A basket that previously cost N35,000 now exceeds N50,000.
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Yobe State: In Damaturu's Vegetable Market, a basket of fresh tomatoes has surged from N18,000–N30,000 to N50,000–N55,000. A bag of pepper now ranges from N20,000 to N22,000.
Calls for Government Intervention
Traders and consumers nationwide are urging the government to expedite repairs on the collapsed bridge and implement measures to stabilize food prices. The disruption has not only affected the availability of essential commodities but has also strained household budgets, especially during the festive season.
In Abeokuta, Ogun State, Hausa traders have reported a significant drop in business activities due to the bridge collapse. Mallam Sule Saad, a trader at the Farmers’ Market in Asero, expressed concerns over the inability to transport goods, leading to shortages and increased prices. He appealed to the government for swift intervention to restore normalcy .
Conclusion
The collapse of the Mokwa Bridge has had far-reaching consequences on Nigeria's food supply chain, leading to soaring prices of perishable goods across the country. As the nation prepares for Eid-el-Kabir, there is an urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the infrastructural challenges and mitigate the economic impact on citizens.
ADEOLA KUNLE
