Tomato prices in Nigeria are expected to decline during the upcoming Ramadan period, contrary to typical seasonal spikes, due to a significant increase in supply coinciding with the fasting month. The Tomatoes Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria confirmed that a bumper harvest and the calendar shift of Ramadan have created favourable market conditions.
According to Rabiu Zuntu, Kaduna State Chairman of the association, the convergence of Ramadan with the peak tomato harvest season in February and March will suppress prices. “The demand will reduce, and there’s still a high supply of tomatoes in the northern market,” Zuntu stated, explaining that demand typically falls during the fast when Muslims abstain from daytime meals. He contrasted this with previous years, when Ramadan often began in April after the main harvest, creating supply shortages.
Current market data reflects the glut. A 50kg basket of tomatoes now sells for between N7,000 and N10,000 in northern producing states like Kaduna and Kano, with prices having recently dropped as low as N5,000. After adding logistics and transportation costs for southern markets, the same basket sells for between N18,000 and N20,000. Zuntu attributed the high yield to increased cultivation by farmers last year following poor returns from grains, despite challenges from the Tuta absoluta pest.
The association credited national leadership interventions for helping stabilise the sector but appealed for expanded government support. Specifically, they urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to provide farm inputs, such as seeds and fertilisers, for the 2026 planting season to sustain productivity and reduce hardship among vegetable farmers.
The projected price drop offers immediate relief to consumers during Ramadan but underscores the volatility of Nigeria’s tomato market, which remains heavily dependent on seasonal harvests and regional logistics. While high supply benefits buyers this year, the association’s appeal highlights ongoing structural needs to ensure long-term stability for farmers and consistent affordability for consumers.
