Tomato farmers have raised alarm over the recent outbreak of the Tuta Absoluta pest, which is currently impacting tomato crops and driving up prices in markets nationwide.
They shared their concerns during separate interviews with journalists on Sunday in Lagos.
Tuta Absoluta, commonly referred to as the Tomato Leaf Miner, is a notorious pest that poses a major threat to tomato production. It is widespread across Europe, Africa, Western Asia, and both South and Central America. If not properly managed, its larvae can destroy up to 100% of affected crops.
Tomato farmers have voiced deep concern over the recent outbreak of Tuta Absoluta, a fast-spreading pest that has been devastating tomato farms and influencing market prices across the country.
Tuta Absoluta, often dubbed “Tomato Ebola” due to its rapid destructive impact, can destroy tomato crops in just over 48 hours. The pest reproduces rapidly, with the female capable of laying between 250 to 300 eggs during its lifespan, and completing 10 to 12 generations within a single year.
Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, Chairman of the Tomato Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria, confirmed that the latest outbreak, which began in early March, has significantly disrupted tomato production in Northern Nigeria, leading to price hikes.
“Because of the unusually high temperatures, the virus is spreading fast. It doesn’t thrive as much during the rainy season but becomes more aggressive in the dry, hot season due to increased soil humidity. Many farms in the North have been hit hard despite being in their harvest period,” Zuntu explained.
He added that the pest invasion has drastically reduced supply to markets nationwide, causing prices to soar.
“Currently, a 50kg basket of tomatoes sells for around N30,000 in Northern markets, up from the pre-outbreak price range of N5,000 to N10,000,” he noted.
Speaking on prevention, Zuntu stressed that while the outbreak cannot be entirely stopped—especially since humidity, a key factor in the pest’s spread, cannot be controlled—certain measures can still help limit its impact.
“Even climate-resistant or disease-tolerant seeds are not immune to Tuta Absoluta. What we need is the consistent use of Integrated Pest Management strategies to manage and reduce its spread,” he advised.
Mr. Bola Oyeleke, National President of the Tomatoes and Orchard Processors Association of Nigeria (TOPAN), acknowledged the pest’s presence but downplayed its impact on current market supply, noting that harvests are underway in many parts of the country.
“Tomato supply to markets has not completely stopped. The damage may be affecting newly planted crops rather than mature ones ready for harvest. Still, Tuta Absoluta remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s tomato sector,” he said.
Oyeleke emphasized that long-term solutions require collective action among farmers, especially at the grassroots level.
“To minimize future outbreaks, farmers must adopt improved land preparation techniques. Communities, especially at the local government level, should coordinate their land preparation processes. When smallholder farmers work together, it becomes easier to prevent widespread pest infestations,” he concluded.
