The National Chairman of the Association of Tomato Growers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria, Sani Danladi, has attributed the high cost of tomatoes across Nigeria to the invasion of farmlands in major growing states by the Tuta Absoluta pest.

He also mentioned that the price increase was due to the early onset of the rainy season, emphasizing that the fruit doesn't grow well during that time.

There has been a significant rise in tomato prices in major cities like Lagos, with prices increasing by over 200% in the center of excellence. Kaduna and Kano are two of Nigeria's largest tomato-growing states.

According to a market survey, a large basket of fresh tomatoes in Lagos' Mile 12 Market is selling for between N100,000 and N150,000, depending on negotiation and quality, compared to N40,000 and N50,000 in April and early May.

Tuta absoluta, or Phthorimaea absoluta, is a species of moth that attacks tomato crops in Europe, Africa, Western Asia, and South and Central America, with larvae causing up to 100% loss within 24 hours if not effectively controlled.

It can produce between 10-12 generations in a year with the female capable of laying between 250 to 300 eggs within its lifetime.

In Nigeria, it has been dubbed "Tomato Ebola."

Tasiu Haruna, a local tomato farmer in Kaduna, explained that climate change was a significant challenge affecting crop production in the north.

About the Tuta absoluta pest

Tuta Absoluta is notorious for decimating tomato crops in less than 48 hours, earning it the nickname "Tomato Ebola."

The pest can produce between 10 and 12 generations annually, with females capable of laying 250 to 300 eggs in their lifetime.

Since 2015, the country has been plagued by yearly outbreaks of Tuta, and experts believe that the recurring issue of Tomato Ebola in Nigeria without a viable solution indicates that relevant authorities are helpless when it comes to preventive measures.

Data and research analyst Loren Agwulonu mentioned that due to rising tomato prices, she is actively seeking alternatives.

Agwulonu was surprised to find four pieces of fresh fruit selling for N500 in the Ago Palace neighborhood of Lagos.

In a post on the X platform, Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari announced that the federal government is making efforts to regulate tomato prices and halt the spread of the disease.

He stated, "Our ministry is taking immediate action to address this problem. We are deploying agricultural experts to affected areas to contain and eradicate the infestation. Additionally, we are providing farmers with the necessary resources and guidance to quickly recover their crops, similar to how we established the Ginger Blight Control Taskforce."