Nigeria Loses Over N1.3 Billion to Tomato Ebola Outbreak in Three States
Federal Government Raises Alarm Over Horticultural Crisis
The Federal Government has revealed that Nigeria has lost more than N1.3 billion due to an outbreak of Tuta absoluta, commonly known as the tomato leaf miner or “Tomato Ebola,” across three states.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, disclosed this during a four-day capacity-building workshop for financial institutions in Abuja. The event was organized by HortiNigeria in collaboration with the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL Plc).
Economic Impact and Rising Food Prices
The outbreak has caused a significant surge in tomato prices, with a 50kg basket jumping from N5,000 to N10,000 and even reaching approximately N30,000 in some markets. This price hike has exacerbated food inflation and strained household budgets nationwide.
The affected states include:
- Kano
- Katsina
- Kaduna
Threat to Food Security
Minister Kyari warned that the invasive pest could decimate tomato crops within 48 hours, leading to catastrophic yield losses. He emphasized the urgent need for:
- Integrated pest management strategies
- Investment in resilient crop varieties
- Enhanced support for farmers
“Tomatoes and peppers are essential ingredients in virtually every Nigerian kitchen,” Kyari stated. “When prices spike, it affects meals across homes, restaurants, and food vendors.”
Horticulture: Nigeria’s “Sleeping Giant”
The minister described horticulture – the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamental plants – as a dynamic engine for:
- Rural transformation
- Job creation
- Improved nutrition
- Trade diversification
Despite current challenges, Kyari maintained that horticulture remains one of Nigeria’s most promising agricultural frontiers, offering:
- Higher value per hectare than staple crops
- Shorter production cycles
- Multiple annual harvests
- Greater employment opportunities, especially for women and youth
Call to Action for Financial Institutions
The minister urged financial institutions to:
- Develop a deep understanding of the horticulture value chain
- Create tailored financial products for different production stages
- Offer specialized services like seasonal credit lines and equipment leasing
“Horticulture is not just farming; it’s a vibrant agribusiness ecosystem,” Kyari emphasized. “Investing wisely in this sector means financing livelihoods, nutrition, and inclusive growth.”
The government remains committed to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector through strategic interventions in horticulture and other critical areas.
Source: Daily Nigerian