Tomato Ebola Triggers N1.3bn Loss, Fuels Soaring Food Prices

Tomato Ebola Triggers N1.3bn Loss, Fuels Soaring Food Prices

Tomato Ebola is dealing a painful blow to Nigeria’s food supply, causing over N1.3 billion in crop losses across Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna states. The pest, officially called Tuta absoluta, has earned its deadly nickname from farmers because of how quickly it destroys tomato crops—within just 48 hours.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, raised the alarm during a training workshop for banks and lenders in Abuja. The workshop was organised by HortiNigeria in partnership with NIRSAL Plc, the government’s agriculture-focused lending system.

Due to the outbreak, the price of a 50kg basket of tomatoes has tripled. What sold for N5,000 now costs N15,000 to N30,000, putting enormous strain on family budgets and pushing food inflation higher. The rising prices are already being felt at homes, restaurants, and roadside food stalls.

“Tomatoes and peppers are in nearly every Nigerian meal,” Kyari explained. “When their prices spike, it affects every part of the food chain.”

According to the minister, the 2024 data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that tomatoes led the food price index with a shocking 320% year-on-year increase. Peppers followed close behind.

Kyari said the outbreak shows how weak the country’s horticulture system still is. “This crisis reminds us that we must act fast. We need better pest control, stronger tomato varieties, and direct support for our farmers,” he warned.

He called for more investment in integrated pest management, improved seeds, and resilient farming techniques. Without these, Nigeria risks facing even deeper food shortages.

Horticulture, the growing of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers, may be one of the country’s most underrated solutions to its food crisis. Kyari described it as a “sleeping giant” in Nigerian agriculture.

With proper support, he said horticulture could bring more jobs, improved nutrition, and higher income for farmers. Unlike staple crops like rice or maize, vegetables like tomatoes grow faster and bring more money per hectare. This makes them perfect for small farmers trying to earn more in shorter periods.

Kyari stressed that horticulture has huge potential for job creation, especially for women and young people. It also connects well to other industries—like food packaging, retail sales, and exports.

“In urban areas, horticulture brings fresh food closer to the people,” he said. “With irrigation and greenhouse systems, it also offers a way to farm smartly in a changing climate.”

He noted that tomatoes, cucumbers, citrus, pineapples, and plantains have massive demand in Nigerian markets. These crops, he said, are no longer just household items but are quickly becoming important commercial products.

Fruits and vegetables are not just food. They are packed with vitamins A and C, iron, zinc, and folate—all vital for keeping children healthy, helping pregnant women, and preventing diseases. Kyari said that growing more of these crops at affordable prices could help Nigeria fight malnutrition.

He also urged banks to take a closer look at the horticulture value chain. From seed planting to the final sale, each stage needs a different type of funding. But too often, lenders offer one-size-fits-all loans that don’t fit real farming needs.

“We need banks to offer loans that match the growing cycles,” Kyari said. He suggested seasonal loans, equipment leasing, invoice financing, and trade credits as some examples.

He said horticulture isn’t just a farming activity—it’s a full business ecosystem. It offers high returns and can lift entire communities out of poverty if managed well.

“By funding horticulture, you’re not just financing crops,” Kyari told the banks. “You are financing jobs, health, and Nigeria’s future.”

To fix the system, Kyari believes that government, financial institutions, private investors, and farmers must work together. Without teamwork, Nigeria’s food challenges will only get worse.

He urged banks to look beyond just giving out money and instead build smart lending systems that truly support farmers. “Understand the crops, understand the seasons, and build financial tools that help, not hurt,” he said.

For Nigeria, Tomato Ebola is not just a pest problem. It’s a wake-up call. The country needs urgent reforms in the way it grows, protects, and funds food production—especially in vegetables.

Horticulture may not get the spotlight like rice or wheat, but it is one of Nigeria’s best chances to reduce hunger, lower food prices, and boost jobs. With the right policies and investments, this quiet sector could transform Nigeria’s entire food system.

Kyari ended his speech with a hopeful message: “Together, we can unlock the power of horticulture to nourish our people, build wealth and drive sustainable growth. If we invest right, we’re not just planting crops—we’re planting a stronger Nigeria.”