Nigerians Face Higher Tomato Prices As Supply Tightens

Tomato farmers under the Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (TOPAN) have warned of a likely increase in the price of the commodity between May and June 2026, citing seasonal weather variations affecting production.

The Kaduna State Chairman of TOPAN, Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Lagos over the weekend.

According to Zuntu, although tomatoes can be cultivated throughout the year in northern Nigeria, weather conditions often impact both yield and quality.

“Although we can plant tomatoes all-year-round, we cannot assure quality harvest all-year-round,” he said.

He explained that farming activities are currently at different stages across the region.

“Some farmers are harvesting now, while others are transplanting. Tomatoes are still available for sale, but prices are gradually increasing.

“Come May/June, the prices of tomatoes will be very expensive, so now is a good time to stock up. There’s always a scarcity within that period,” he added.

Zuntu attributed the anticipated price surge to extreme heat conditions typically experienced in the northern region during that period.

“This is because of the nature of the weather in the North around that time. The heat is usually intense, and tomatoes cannot withstand such high temperatures,” he noted.

He further revealed that prices have already begun to rise in major producing areas.

“A 50kg raffia basket of tomatoes now sells for about N20,000, compared to between N7,000 and N10,000 earlier in the year.

“Similarly, a crate sells between N10,000 and N15,000, up from N5,000 to N6,500 previously,” he said.

Zuntu added that supply is tightening as harvesting winds down in key production hubs.

“In most parts of Kano State, where there was a bumper harvest, farmers are rounding off harvesting. As a result, supply has dropped, and buyers are now sourcing tomatoes mainly from Kaduna and parts of Plateau State.

“That is why supply has decreased. The price of tomatoes is determined by the law of demand and supply,” he explained.

Meanwhile, LEADERSHIP findings confirm that prices have also surged in Lagos markets. A 50kg basket currently sells for between N40,000 and N60,000 at Ketu and Mile 12 markets, depending on size and quality.