Emmanuel OchayiThe Tomato Crates Dealers Association of Nigeria has issued a stern warning that the supply of tomatoes to Lagos could be severely disrupted, potentially leading to increased prices for tomatoes and peppers across the state.
This threat comes in response to the recent clash at Ilepo market in Lagos, where the association claims its goods were damaged, resulting in substantial financial losses.
Alhaji Ahmed Alaramma, the national chairman of the union, expressed the association’s grievances during a press briefing held in Zaria. He highlighted the destruction caused to their investment, particularly citing the loss of over 60,000 empty tomato crates, each valued at N6,000.
This amounts to a staggering loss of over N360 million in investment for the members of the association.
“The clash at Ilepo Market led to the burning of our crates by the ‘area boys’, preventing our people from extinguishing the fire,” Alaramma stated, emphasizing the need for compensation from relevant authorities to mitigate the financial impact on the association.
READ ALSO: FG To Stop Taxing Tomatoes, Other Non-taxable Goods, Services
The association, which rents out crates to tomato dealers across the country, is urging the Federal Government, Lagos State Government, and other stakeholders to address the issue promptly. Alaramma also mentioned that legal action is being considered if satisfactory responses are not received from the government.
“If nothing is done, we will have no option but to cut the supply of tomatoes to Lagos over this incident,” Alaramma warned, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
The clash at Ilepo Market erupted last Wednesday amidst allegations of a dispute over bet money, resulting in the destruction of goods and injuries to individuals.
The prompt intervention of the state police helped restore normalcy to the market, with over fifty suspects arrested in connection with the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, has assured that the command will decisively deal with anyone found breaching the peace, in accordance with the law. Measures have been taken to prevent further escalation of violence, with police presence reinforced in the affected area.
The threat to cut the supply of tomatoes to Lagos underscores the significance of resolving the grievances of the Tomato Crates Dealers Association of Nigeria.
Failure to address their concerns could have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the association’s members but also consumers reliant on tomatoes and peppers in Lagos and beyond.
As authorities work towards a resolution, the eyes of many remain on the outcome, hoping for a swift and satisfactory response to prevent disruptions in the supply chain and stabilize prices in the market.
