Consumers are urged to take advantage of the low prices to stock up and preserve tomatoes for future use
Tomato Prices Drop in Lagos, Other Parts of Nigeria Amid Bumper Harvest
The price of tomatoes in Lagos and other major cities across Nigeria has dropped significantly as farmers report bumper harvests in key growing states. Farmers and traders have attributed this price crash to an oversupply, which occurs annually between January and March.
According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria, the current price of a 50kg basket of tomatoes now ranges from N10,000 to N12,000, depending on the variety. In the northern part of the country, a 25kg plastic crate is priced between N6,000 and N7,000.
In Lagos, the price of a large basket of tomatoes has fallen to between N13,000 and N15,000, compared to the N130,000 to N150,000 price range recorded in May 2024. This represents a decrease of approximately 90% over an eight-month period.
Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, Chair of the Tomato Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (Kaduna State Chapter), explained that the surplus is a result of the January-to-March harvest period, during which tomato plants yield an abundance of fruit. This surplus often leads to reduced prices and significant post-harvest losses. “One of the challenges we face in the tomato sector during this time is the glut,” Zuntu said.
He added that nearly 50% of harvested tomatoes are lost during this period due to inadequate storage facilities and limited processing capabilities. “Currently, we only have a few functioning tomato processing facilities to help reduce the annual post-harvest losses,” he noted.
Zuntu urged consumers to take advantage of the low prices to stock up and preserve tomatoes for future use. “We usually advise consumers to preserve as many tomatoes as they can during this period to mitigate the impact when prices rise later in the year,” he said.
He also highlighted small-scale preservation methods that households can employ, such as blending, boiling, and storing tomatoes in airtight jars, which can last up to six months. Another traditional method involves burying tomatoes underground in a humid environment to maintain freshness. “However, these preservation methods may not be effective for large-scale storage,” Zuntu cautioned.
Traders in Lagos acknowledged the significant price drop as well. Mrs. Queen Oloyede, a trader at Surulere, noted that a 50kg basket of tomatoes is currently selling for between N15,000 and N20,000 at the Mile 12 market. “Since a week ago, a 50kg basket of tomatoes at the Mile 12 market has been selling for between N15,000 and N20,000. I advise customers to start stocking up for when the produce becomes scarce,” Oloyede said.
However, Mrs. Judith Amen pointed out that the highest quality tomatoes still command premium prices. “Currently, the best quality tomatoes at the Mile 12 market sell for between N35,000 and N37,000 for a 50kg basket. People should preserve as much as they can afford,” she advised.
Some consumers expressed concerns about their ability to preserve tomatoes effectively. Mrs. Catherine Eigbedion, a resident of Agege, cited inconsistent electricity supply as a barrier to her preservation efforts. “With tomatoes in surplus and at favorable prices, it’s advisable to buy in bulk and stock up for the lean days ahead. However, not everyone knows the local preservation techniques due to the unreliable electricity situation. I only buy enough to last for a week,” Eigbedion shared.
Similarly, Mrs. Ebere Dudu from Dopemu emphasized the unpredictability of tomato prices. “We are grateful for the abundance of fresh and affordable tomatoes in the market. Because we cannot predict the prices in the coming months, I buy as much as I can and preserve for the uncertain days ahead,” she explained. Read More
