Traders and consumers across Lagos are expressing frustration over the rising cost and scarcity of watermelons, blaming the situation on high transportation expenses and dwindling supply from northern Nigeria.
Despite the upcoming harvest season in November, sellers say the fruit has become increasingly expensive and difficult to source, forcing both traders and consumers to adjust their habits.
Watermelon, a staple in many Nigerian homes, is valued for its high water content, vitamins, and refreshing taste—especially during hot weather. However, challenges such as seasonal variations, rising transport costs, and limited local farming have driven prices sharply upward.
A large watermelon now sells between ₦2,500 and ₦3,000, compared to ₦1,200–₦1,500 around the same period last year, according to market reports.
Chairman of the Watermelon Sellers Association at Doyin Orile Market, Mr. Abdullah Musa, said the cost of transporting and offloading a truckload of watermelons had more than doubled in recent months.
“The cost of offloading a truck rose from ₦1.5 million last year to ₦1.8 million in January and has now reached ₦3.2 million as of October,” he said.
Musa added that most of their supplies come from Kebbi, Kano, Jigawa, and Niger states, as Lagos lacks large-scale watermelon farms. “Right now, we only have the Kampala and smooth varieties—seedless ones are not available,” he explained.
Another trader, Malam Ashiru Aminu of Orile Market, said the fruits are currently off-season and prone to spoilage, discouraging buyers. “We expect better quality and prices once the main harvest begins next month,” he noted.
Similarly, a hawker, Mrs. Ajoke Adebayo (popularly called Iya Ajoke), said her profits have dropped sharply due to high purchase costs. “Before, I bought a watermelon for ₦1,400; now it’s ₦2,500. Customers complain that some are unripe or rot quickly after cutting,” she said.
Another seller near Orile Iganmu Police Station, Malam Yunusa Yayah, confirmed that the current watermelons in the market are of poor quality. “They spoil fast, lack sweetness, and are less juicy. It’s because they’re not yet in season,” he said, adding that overdependence on distant suppliers worsens the problem.
Fruit vendor Mrs. Abiodun Banire, who makes smoothies in Surulere, said the shortage has affected her business. “Watermelon was the base for most of my recipes because it’s affordable and refreshing. Now I use pineapples or oranges, but profit has dropped,” she lamented.
For some residents, like Mrs. Oluyemisi Ishola of Iganmu, finding quality watermelons has become a guessing game. “I now buy from different vendors because the ones I used to get aren’t as red or juicy anymore. Lately, I’ve switched to oranges instead,” she said, reflecting the frustration shared by many consumers.