The Tomato Crates Dealers Association of Nigeria and the Amalgamated Union of Food Stuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria have issued a stern warning to cut tomato supply to Lagos state following the destruction of their commodities.
Alhaji Ahmed Alaramma, the National Chairman of the Tomato Crates Dealers Association, voiced this threat during a press briefing in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Sunday.
He revealed that the recent incident at Oke-Odo market in Lagos resulted in the destruction of over 60,000 empty tomato crates. Alaramma, who also serves as the National Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Food Stuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria, explained that while raffia baskets were initially used for transporting tomatoes to the south, they caused more damage. Hence, plastic crates were introduced to reduce waste and damage during transit.
“Over 70 members of the association rent out the crates to tomato dealers across the country. We had over 60,000 crates ready to be returned to the north when the turmoil erupted,” he stated.
Alaramma lamented that during the clash, the crates were set on fire by area boys who also prevented their efforts to extinguish the flames. He emphasized that the association has video evidence and other proof supporting their claims.
The cost of each empty crate is estimated at N6000, resulting in a total loss of over N360 million for the members. Alaramma appealed to the federal government, Lagos state government, and other stakeholders to address the issue and compensate the association for the damages incurred.
He further stated that the association is already in contact with its legal team to explore available legal remedies in case of an unsatisfactory response from the government.
“If nothing is done, we will have no choice but to halt the supply of tomatoes to Lagos due to this unfortunate incident,” Alaramma concluded.
