Nigerian farmers are counting staggering losses as a catastrophic pest infestation sweeps through tomato farmlands, triggering a nationwide scare of imminent scarcity and a dramatic price surge.
The Tomato Growers Association of Nigeria (TOGAN) has raised a red flag over the mass destruction caused by Tuta absoluta, a highly aggressive pest that has decimated crops across key agricultural zones, especially in the northern states. The pest’s invasion, which began subtly in March, has since spiraled into a full-blown agricultural emergency, leaving thousands of farmers devastated.
“The situation is nothing short of a disaster,” said Alhaji Sani Danladi Yada-Kwari, Chairman of TOGAN in Kano State and the Association’s National Secretary. “In Kano, the damage is enormous. Farmers who planted in November and December watched helplessly as the pest wiped out entire farms in just three days. Those who didn’t harvest before the outbreak lost everything.”
According to Yada-Kwari, the economic fallout is monumental. In Kano State alone, tomato farmers have collectively lost over ₦20 billion, with the full extent of the damage still being assessed.
Tuta absoluta, commonly referred to as the “tomato leaf miner,” thrives in hot, dry climates and is notoriously resistant to conventional pesticides, making it a formidable adversary to farmers. Once it invades a farm, its destructive capacity is rapid and almost unstoppable without swift and specialized intervention.
“This pest is not just eating tomatoes; it’s eating livelihoods,” Yada-Kwari lamented. “The emotional and financial toll on our farmers is beyond words.”
At Yan Kaba Market, Kano’s largest tomato trading hub, the effects are already visible. Alin Bello, Secretary of the Tomato Traders Association, confirmed the growing scarcity and plummeting quality of produce.
“Most tomatoes we get now are either infested or on the verge of rot,” Bello said. “If they’re not sold within hours, they’re useless. It’s becoming nearly impossible to get fresh, quality tomatoes. Prices are rising, and the worst is yet to come.”
With a looming supply crisis and consumer prices already spiking in many parts of the country, experts warn that Nigeria could be on the brink of a tomato famine if swift action is not taken.
Yada-Kwari has urged farmers to be on high alert and respond immediately at the earliest signs of infestation. More critically, he is calling on the federal and state governments to launch an urgent rescue intervention.
“We need emergency support — pesticides, expert guidance, and financial relief,” he appealed. “This is not just a farmer’s crisis. It’s a national food security issue.”
As tomato remains a staple in nearly every Nigerian household, the impact of this outbreak is likely to be felt in kitchens and markets nationwide. Without decisive intervention, both rural economies and urban consumers may be in for a harsh, tomato-scarce season.
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