The tomato price surge across Nigeria is placing fresh pressure on household budgets, forcing many families and food vendors to reduce consumption as farmers warn that supply challenges, insecurity and weak industrial demand continue to disrupt the country’s tomato value chain. Although Nigeria remains Africa’s second-largest tomato producer after Egypt, consumers are paying significantly more for the staple ingredient as shortages push prices higher and contribute to rising food inflation.
A market survey conducted at Mile 12 International Market in Lagos showed that tomato prices have more than doubled within three weeks. Large baskets of Jos tomatoes, previously sold for between ₦60,000 and ₦70,000 in May, now sell for between ₦120,000 and ₦150,000. During the same period, the price of a crate increased from about ₦25,000 to ₦70,000.
Retailers said South-West tomato varieties have become more available, but many consumers prefer northern tomatoes because they produce thicker paste and contain less water. Foodstuff trader Madam Jerome said tomatoes have become a necessity rather than a choice.
“I bought a basket equivalent to three paint containers for ₦40,000. Many people prefer this type because of its plumpness and colour. Tomatoes are gold in the market now.”
She also disclosed that she lost money after purchasing a basket of Jos tomatoes for ₦120,000, only to discover that many of the tomatoes underneath were unripe and partly spoiled. Tomato seller Ibrahim Aminu attributed the tomato price surge to poor farming conditions in northern Nigeria.
“Arewa are not farming well due to rainfall and drought on the farm.”
The sharp increase has forced many households to adjust their cooking habits. Mrs. Susan said tomatoes have almost disappeared from her family’s weekly meals.
“Usually, I buy a paint of tomatoes for ₦3,500, but recently I got a paint for ₦15,000. We now use vegetables, carrot and cabbage sauce and even palm kernel stew.”
Another consumer, Mrs. Ebele, said a paint bucket that previously sold for ₦4,000 now costs ₦10,000 in her area, forcing her family to buy smaller quantities and combine tomatoes with vegetables. Caterers also reported significant financial losses. Mrs. Princess said she accepted payment for an event before tomato prices jumped from about ₦70,000 to ₦150,000 per basket.
“I regretted collecting full payment before the event. I lost so much money and even settled workers from my pocket.”
Another caterer, Juliet, explained that many food vendors now reduce the amount of fresh tomatoes used in meals or combine them with tomato paste to control expenses.
The rising cost of tomatoes has coincided with increases in other food items. A pepper trader, Murtala, said poor weather conditions in northern Nigeria have pushed pepper prices higher, with medium-sized bowls of pepper and shombo now selling for about ₦30,000, while tatashi sells for as much as ₦40,000.
Ginger trader Mustapha also reported that a sack of ginger now costs about ₦700,000, compared to roughly ₦200,000 previously. Meanwhile, the National Tomato Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria said the current tomato price surge reflects seasonal shortages compounded by insecurity, climate change, rising production costs and the collapse of industrial off-take arrangements.
The association’s National Secretary, Sani Danladi-Yadakwari, noted that only two major tomato processing companies are still actively purchasing from farmers, while others have either scaled back operations or stopped buying altogether. He warned that insecurity has forced many farmers to abandon cultivation and identified the destructive Tuta absoluta pest and rising temperatures as additional challenges affecting production.
NATPAN urged farmers to embrace greenhouse farming while calling on government to invest in solar-powered irrigation systems to reduce production costs and support year-round cultivation.
According to the association, reducing dependence on fuel-powered irrigation and expanding processing capacity would improve market stability, minimise post-harvest losses and strengthen Nigeria’s tomato value chain. The association expressed optimism that supplies could improve from August as rainy-season harvests begin reaching markets, potentially easing pressure on prices in the coming months.
