The price of tomatoes in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria has plummeted significantly, driven by a seasonal glut resulting from the ongoing harvest period.
This annual phenomenon, which occurs between January and March, has flooded markets with surplus supply, causing prices to drop sharply.
Survey reveals that a 50kg basket of tomatoes now sells for as low as N10,000 to N12,000 in the northern regions, while a 25kg plastic crate is priced between N6,000 and N7,000.
In Lagos, prices have also nosedived, with a big basket of tomatoes selling for N13,000– N15,000 compared to the staggering N140,000–N150,000 recorded in May 2024.
This represents a dramatic 90 per cent drop in tomato prices within an eight-month span.
At the popular Mile 12 market in Lagos, traders confirmed the price crash. Mrs. Queen Oloyede, a trader in Surulere, stated, “A 50kg basket of tomatoes now sells for N15,000 to N20,000. I encourage customers to stock up now because prices will eventually go up again.”
However, premium-quality tomatoes still command higher prices. According to another trader, Mrs. Judith Amen, “The highest quality tomatoes sell between N35,000 and N37,000 per 50kg basket. It’s important to preserve what you can afford during this period.”
Farmers have linked the price crash to the tomato glut that occurs during this peak harvest season.
The Chairman of the Tomato Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (Kaduna State Chapter), Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, explained that while the glut brings an abundance of tomatoes, it also leads to significant post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage and processing facilities.
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“Between January and March, tomato plants produce in abundance, resulting in a surplus that drives prices down,” Zuntu said. “Unfortunately, around 50% of the harvest is lost because we lack the storage infrastructure and processing plants to manage the surplus effectively.”
To mitigate the impact of post-harvest losses and fluctuating prices, Zuntu urged consumers to take advantage of the current low prices by preserving tomatoes for future use. He suggested simple preservation methods that households can adopt, such as blending, boiling, and storing tomatoes in airtight jars, which can last up to six months.
Additionally, traditional methods like burying tomatoes underground in a humid environment to maintain freshness were highlighted. However, Zuntu cautioned that these methods are limited in scope and unsuitable for large-scale preservation.
“We need more tomato processing facilities in the country to handle the annual surplus and reduce losses,” Zuntu emphasized.
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Consumers have expressed mixed reactions to the surplus. While some are eager to take advantage of the low prices, others face challenges in preserving tomatoes effectively.
Mrs. Catherine Eigbedion, a resident of Agege, cited inconsistent electricity supply as a barrier to storing large quantities of tomatoes. “I can only buy enough to last me a week because preserving them is difficult without steady electricity,” she said.
Similarly, Mrs. Ebere Dudu, a resident of Dopemu, stressed the importance of stocking up during the glut. “Tomato prices are unpredictable. I’m buying as much as I can now and preserving for the rainy days,” she explained.
The annual glut highlights broader challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Experts have long called for investments in cold storage facilities, improved transportation, and processing plants to stabilize prices and ensure profitability for farmers.
“To address this recurring issue, the government must prioritize post-harvest infrastructure and support initiatives that enhance the value chain,” Zuntu stated.