The Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (TOPAN) has attributed the recent surge in tomato prices to increased demand during festive periods and declining production output from farmers
Speaking in an interview with the Newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos, Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, Chairman of TOPAN’s Kaduna State chapter, explained that the spike was largely driven by the high consumption recorded during the Sallah celebration, coupled with a persistent drop in farm productivity.
“The reason for the hike in the price of tomatoes can be closely linked to the increased demand during the festivities and the low production output of farmers,” Zuntu said.
“With the just-concluded Sallah and the earlier Easter celebrations, tomato prices have remained high. But we expect things to normalise within a week or two now that the festive period is over.”
Zuntu also noted that prior to the Sallah celebration, prices were within a manageable range. A rafia basket of tomatoes, which previously sold for between N10,000 and N15,000 in northern markets, rose sharply to N30,000 and above during the festivities.
In the South West, prices have shown a similar pattern. A rafia basket that sold for between N20,000 and N30,000 in January 2025 now goes for as high as N60,000 to N70,000.
Beyond festive demand and low yields, the TOPAN chairman cited transportation costs as a major contributor to the price hike.
“We need to increase productivity to meet the growing demand. The cost of logistics is also significantly affecting tomato prices,” he said.
While addressing concerns over other crops, Zuntu added that pepper prices remain unstable and unpredictable, noting that peppers are currently out of season.
