There has been a substantial decrease of 58% in tomato prices within the Lagos market.


The price of tomatoes in Lagos has significantly decreased by 58 percent, marking the first time this year that such a substantial drop has occurred. This development brings relief to households and alleviates the financial strain they have been experiencing.

A comprehensive survey conducted across various markets in Lagos revealed that the current cost of a large basket of tomatoes is N50,000, a notable reduction compared to the previous average price of N120,000 observed a few months ago in Mile 12 Market. Similarly, the price of a small basket of tomatoes has decreased from N13,000 to N6,500 during the same period under review.

As precipitation levels start to decrease, it is anticipated that tomato prices will experience a downward trend.

The cultivation of tomatoes faces challenges during the rainy season, as highlighted by Sani Danladi, the national chairman of the Association of Tomato Growers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria, in a previous interview.

Regarding pepper, the current average price for a small basket of habanero pepper stands at N13,000, marking a significant decline of approximately 68% compared to the peak price of N35,000 observed during the May-June period.

Farmers have noted that the July/August rain break has facilitated the successful germination of tomatoes in the northern region, which serves as the primary growing area for this crop.

Furthermore, the federal government’s initiatives to address the Tuta absoluta infestation in tomato farms have contributed to stabilizing vegetable prices.

During the peak of the rainy season, which resulted in an unprecedented increase in vegetable prices, Nigerians substituted beets, cucumbers, and carrots in their stews.

The popular jollof rice was also affected. According to an SB Morgan Jollof Rice Index, the average cost of preparing a pot of jollof rice increased by 19.6 percent, from N16,955 to N20,274, between March and June 2024.

In reference to the current market situation, a local tomato vendor shared their observations. They mentioned that they purchased a small basket of tomatoes for N6,500 yesterday, which is significantly lower compared to the previous price of N13,000. This indicates a notable decline in tomato prices.

Although farmers attribute the decline to the rain break, Bismarck Rewane, an economist and executive director of Financial Derivatives, confirmed the drop in tomato prices during an intervi”w on Channels Television on Thursday. He stated that the ongoing hunger protest is the cause.

Rewane observed that the vegetables are being sold at perishable value.

According to him, tomato and pepper prices may rise again as Nigerian markets resume normal business activities following the protests.

Danladi, previously mentioned, confirmed that a pause in rainfall is the cause of the price decline seen in markets. He predicts that tomato and pepper prices will continue to fall during the dry season.

The recent surge in tomato prices was influenced by seasonal factors, the Tuta absoluta infestation, and the high cost of transportation from northern growing regions to other parts of the country.

Nigeria is the largest tomato producer in Africa, yet approximately 700,000 tons are lost annually due to post-harvest waste, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

In addition to post-harvest losses, tomato farms in the northern region face a persistent challenge from Tuta absoluta, commonly known as Tomato Ebola. This invasive pest wreaks havoc on tomato crops annually, significantly hindering production levels.