Nigeria loses over N1.3 billion to ‘Tomato Ebola’ outbreak in three states – Minister
Nigeria’s agriculture sector has taken a serious hit with the recent outbreak of Tuta absoluta, a pest widely known as “Tomato Ebola,” which has devastated tomato farms in Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna states. According to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the infestation has already cost the country over ₦1.3 billion in losses. Speaking at a workshop in Abuja, Kyari explained how this pest, capable of destroying crops within 48 hours, has caused tomato prices to spike from ₦5,000 to as high as ₦30,000 per basket, worsening food inflation and putting pressure on everyday Nigerian households.
Kyari used this crisis to spotlight the vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s horticulture system and stressed the urgent need for integrated pest management, investment in resilient crop varieties, and support for farmers. Tomatoes and peppers—key staples in Nigerian cuisine—have seen the sharpest price surges, with tomatoes leading the 2024 food price index at a staggering 320% year-on-year increase. This inflation is hitting low-income families the hardest and underlines the importance of building a more stable and productive horticulture value chain.
The Minister didn’t stop at highlighting the challenges—he made a strong case for positioning horticulture as a key driver of rural transformation, job creation, and economic diversification. With urban demand rising for fresh and nutritious food, Kyari emphasized that horticulture offers better value per hectare, faster harvest cycles, and greater employment opportunities, especially for women and youth. He described the sector as a “sleeping giant” that can also boost exports, support climate resilience, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on food imports.
Kyari concluded with a call to action for financial institutions, urging them to rethink how they finance agriculture. He encouraged banks to go beyond one-size-fits-all lending and instead tailor financial products—like seasonal credit lines and equipment leasing—that match the specific needs of each part of the horticulture chain. With better financing and policy support, Kyari believes Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its horticulture sector to feed the nation, drive economic growth, and improve lives.
Source: Nairametrics