Nigeria is facing a significant crisis in its agricultural sector, with the outbreak of Tuta absoluta, commonly known as the tomato leaf miner or “Tomato Ebola,” resulting in losses of over N1.3 billion in three states. This has led to a surge in the price of tomatoes, with a 50-kilogram basket of tomatoes increasing from N5,000 to N10,000 and approximately N30,000. The affected states include Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna.
According to Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, the outbreak has underscored the fragility of the country’s horticultural systems and highlighted the urgent need for integrated pest management strategies, investment in resilient crop varieties, and enhanced support for farmers. The minister emphasized that tomatoes and peppers are essential ingredients in virtually every Nigerian kitchen and serve as baseline commodities for daily cooking. The price increase has affected not only households but also restaurants and food vendors, leading to a chain reaction that affects the cost of meals.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a staggering 320% year-on-year increase in the price of tomatoes, followed by peppers and other produce. This has disproportionately affected low-income households, underlining the need for more stable production, better storage, and accessible finance across the horticulture value chain.
The minister identified horticulture as a “sleeping giant” of Nigerian agriculture, holding immense promise for the country. He emphasized that horticulture is not just a sub-sector of agriculture but a dynamic engine for rural transformation, job creation, improved nutrition, and trade diversification. With increasing urbanization and growing awareness of healthy diets, consumer demand for fresh and diverse produce is rising rapidly, and horticulture is well-positioned to meet this demand.
Despite the challenges in the horticulture sector, it remains one of the most promising frontiers for agricultural transformation. The sector offers higher value per hectare, ideal for smallholder commercialization, shorter production cycles, and multiple harvests annually. It also provides greater labor absorption, creating year-round employment, especially for women and youth, and strong linkages to processing, packaging, retail, and export markets.
The minister listed key contributions of the sector to the country’s agricultural transformation, including diversification of agricultural production and incomes, food and nutrition security, employment and youth engagement, import substitution and export potential, climate adaptation and resilience, and urban market integration. He emphasized that horticulture is a high-impact, high-return opportunity sitting at the intersection of agriculture, health, industry, and trade.
To unlock the potential of horticulture, the minister urged financial institutions to map and understand the horticulture value chain from seed to shelf. He further urged them to develop tailored products that align with the specific stages of the value chain and to create fit-for-purpose financial products, including seasonal credit lines, equipment leasing, invoice discounting, and trade financing. By investing wisely in the horticulture value chain, financial institutions can drive inclusive growth, nourish people, build wealth, and drive sustainable growth, ultimately sowing the seeds for a healthier, wealthier, and more resilient Nigeria.
