Abuja residents protest rising fuel and tomato prices

Motorists and market traders in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory have complained that essential goods are becoming increasingly expensive and, in the case of fuel, of poorer quality.

Drivers in areas such as Lugbe, Dutse, Gwarimpa and Mararaba say that fuel burns faster and provides less mileage, with one resident noting that ₦50,000 now buys only about 36 litres compared with 50 litres previously. The Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has pledged to investigate the alleged irregularities at filling stations.

At the same time, sellers in Abuja markets report that tomato prices have more than doubled, with a basket rising from ₦85‑90 thousand to ₦150‑170 thousand. Traders attribute the surge to seasonal scarcity, post‑harvest losses and higher transport costs, and say the higher prices are forcing households to cut back on meals.