In Nigeria, soaring tomato prices are contributing to the country's food inflation, which has reached its highest levels in decades, leading to protests and looting. The Agriculture Minister, Mohammad Abubakar, attributed the increase in prices to a severe infestation known as Tomato Ebola or Tomato Leaf Miner, caused by a moth-like insect. The government is sending teams to the affected areas to assist farmers in recovering their crops.
Market traders have reported shortages, causing the price of tomatoes to surge. In Abuja, the price for a small basket of tomatoes has increased from 7,000 naira to 25,000 naira, described by vendor Audu Isa as the worst spike in a decade. In Jos, the cost for a large basket can reach up to 75,000 naira, significantly higher than three months prior. The removal of a fuel subsidy and the easing of foreign-exchange controls by President Bola Tinubu have led to a surge in fuel prices, impacting the cost of dry season farming, according to farmer Joshua Lalong.
With over 50% of a household's budget in Nigeria spent on food, the rise in tomato prices and the cost of living are critical issues, sparking unrest in the nation.
Source: businessday.ng