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By Daniel Adaji
Tomato prices have skyrocketed nationwide as Nigeria suffers over N1.3bn in losses from a pest outbreak in three northern states.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, revealed this on Wednesday during a capacity-building workshop in Abuja. He said the pest, Tuta absoluta, also known as “Tomato Ebola,” has ravaged tomato farms in Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna.
“The pest can destroy tomato crops within 48 hours.This has pushed the price of a 50kg basket from N5,000 to as high as N30,000,” Kyari said.
The surge in tomato prices is contributing to food inflation and putting additional pressure on household budgets across the country.
Kyari described tomatoes and peppers as essential ingredients in Nigerian cuisine. He warned that rising costs of these staples affect food vendors, restaurants, and homes alike.
Data from the 2024 National Bureau of Statistics shows a 320% year-on-year increase in tomato prices, making it the top driver of food inflation.
The minister called for urgent investment in pest management, resilient crop varieties, and farmer support systems.
He also emphasised the broader role of horticulture in job creation, rural development, and economic diversification.
“Horticulture is not just farming. It’s a dynamic engine for nutrition, trade, and inclusive growth,” he said.
Kyari urged financial institutions to develop tailored lending products for horticulture and support the value chain from seed to market.
He called on stakeholders to invest in the sector to safeguard Nigeria’s food supply and drive sustainable growth.