Market operators blame the development on a combination of insecurity in major farming communities, reduced production, transportation challenges, and growing consumer demand, all of which have contributed to a significant decline in supplies reaching urban centres.
The situation has pushed ginger beyond the reach of many households, forcing consumers to cut back on purchases while traders struggle to maintain sales amid worsening economic conditions.
Ginger remains a staple ingredient in many Nigerian homes, commonly used in cooking, beverages, herbal preparations, and traditional remedies because of its unique flavour and perceived health benefits. The spice is produced mainly in Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau states before being transported to markets nationwide.
However, traders say supplies from these producing areas have fallen considerably in recent months, triggering unprecedented price increases.
Production Challenges Deepen Supply Crisis
The supply challenges facing the ginger industry have been compounded by setbacks in key producing states.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that Nigeria's ginger exports declined by 74 per cent to N6.28 billion in the first nine months of 2024, compared with N23.76 billion during the same period in 2023.
Industry stakeholders attribute the decline partly to disease outbreaks that affected ginger farms in major producing states such as Kaduna and Kano.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, previously disclosed that ginger farmers have suffered losses exceeding N12 billion since 2023 as a result of the epidemic.
Beyond disease outbreaks, insecurity has emerged as another major obstacle to production.
Farmers Unable to Access Farmlands
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Public Relations Officer of Oyingbo Market, Mr. Ademola Oduyemi, said insecurity in farming communities has severely disrupted agricultural activities.
According to him, many farmers are unable to access their farms due to persistent security concerns.
“Some farmers are unable to harvest their crops, while others are reluctant to plant. This has reduced the volume of ginger coming into the market and contributed to the scarcity we are witnessing,” he said.
Oduyemi noted that the decline in supply has triggered steep increases in market prices.
“A paint bucket of ginger now sells for between N40,000 and N46,000, depending on size and quality.
“Half a paint bucket costs between N22,500 and N23,000, while a derica measurement sells for about N12,000.
“Many retail buyers who cannot afford larger quantities now purchase individual pieces, which sell for about N500 each,” he said.
He further explained that increasing transportation expenses and sustained consumer demand have worsened the situation.
“If farmers can safely return to their farms and production improves, supply will increase and prices may stabilise,” he added.
Transport Costs Add to Market Pressure
Traders say the cost of moving agricultural produce from northern Nigeria to Lagos has become another major factor behind the soaring prices.
Mrs. Florence Akinfolubi, a ginger trader at Oyingbo Market, said transportation costs continue to place additional pressure on already limited supplies.
“We receive far less ginger than before. Whenever supply drops, prices inevitably rise.
“Transportation costs have also increased considerably. Moving produce from the North to Lagos is more expensive, and that reflects in market prices,” she said.
The rising logistics expenses have affected profit margins for traders while simultaneously increasing the burden on consumers.
Growing Demand Outpaces Supply
Some market operators also point to increasing demand for ginger, particularly because of its perceived medicinal and health benefits.
Mr. Abdullahi Musa, another trader, said more Nigerians are incorporating ginger into their daily diets and wellness routines.
“More people now buy ginger regularly because of its health benefits.
“Demand keeps increasing, but supply is not keeping pace, and that is driving prices higher,” he said.
The growing popularity of ginger-based drinks and herbal mixtures has further strengthened demand at a time when production remains constrained.
Traders Feel the Impact
At Lawanson Market, spice dealer Mrs. Iyabo Daleko said many traders are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain their businesses amid escalating costs.
“We spend more on purchasing and transporting ginger, yet customers complain whenever prices go up.
“Many buyers now settle for smaller quantities because they can no longer afford what they used to buy,” she said.
According to her, declining purchasing power among consumers has affected sales volumes, creating a difficult environment for traders trying to stay profitable.
Consumers Cut Back on Purchases
Consumers across Lagos have also expressed frustration over the continuous rise in ginger prices.
A resident of Surulere, Mrs. Janet Madueke, described the current market situation as alarming.
“A tiny piece of ginger now sells for about N1,000 in the market near my residence in Surulere.
“The price is outrageous, and despite the cost, the quality does not appear to be as good as before,” she said.
Another consumer, Mrs. Funmilayo Ogunleye, said the rising cost has forced her family to adjust its spending habits.
“I use ginger regularly for cooking and preparing drinks.
“The price has almost doubled compared with what I paid earlier this year, so I now buy less and use it more sparingly,” she said.
Similarly, Mr. Adewale Balogun said the increasing cost of the spice is becoming a burden for average households.
“Ginger is a staple in my home, especially for tea and other drinks.
“These days, what N1,000 used to buy can no longer go far. It is becoming difficult for average families,” he said.
Calls for Government Intervention
As prices continue to climb, residents have urged government authorities to take urgent steps to address the factors driving the crisis.
They called for improved security in farming communities, increased support for agricultural production, better transportation infrastructure, and more efficient food distribution systems.
According to stakeholders, stabilising ginger production and ensuring farmers can safely return to their fields will be critical to restoring supply and bringing prices under control.
For many households, ginger is more than just a spice—it is an essential kitchen ingredient and a key component of traditional health remedies. As such, consumers say ensuring its affordability should remain a priority amid Nigeria's broader cost-of-living challenges.