As prices of fresh pepper and tomatoes skyrocket, many Nigerian households have devised means to cope with the situation. Nutrition experts have however, advised on the need for citizens to be wary of adulterated alternatives and harmful concoctions.

Nigerians have also urged government at all levels to address the high inflation, food insecurity and other associated challenges that are weighing the people down.

BusinessDay Sunday gathered that the price of tomatoes in the market has gone up so high that a basket that used to be sold N20,000 this time last year is now over N100,000. At Ketu Market in Lagos, which is easily the convergence of food items, a basket that used to cost about N30,000 now goes for over N160,000.

Although many reports have attributed the scarcity and high cost to insecurity in some states, particularly those food basket states, some experts have explained that the situation has been worsened by the rainy season, since tomato is a seasonal vegetable.