Tomato prices have plummeted in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria due to an ongoing seasonal glut triggered by the current harvest period, farmers have reported.
A glut, which occurs when tomato production exceeds market demand, typically leads to lower prices. In Nigeria, this phenomenon is common between January and March.
Reports indicate that prices for a 50kg basket of tomatoes now range from N10,000 to N12,000 depending on the variety, while a 25kg plastic crate costs between N6,000 and N7,000 in northern regions. Comparatively, in Lagos, a large basket sells for N13,000 to N15,000—far less than the N140,000 to N150,000 price tag seen in May 2024.
Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, Chairman of the Tomato Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria, Kaduna Chapter, attributed the low prices to the harvest season, urging consumers to take advantage of the glut by preserving tomatoes for future use.
“One of the problems we face in the tomato sector is the glut between January and March, which often results in almost 50% post-harvest losses due to a lack of storage facilities, cold rooms, and other preservation technologies,” Zuntu explained.
He advised households to buy tomatoes in bulk and preserve them, noting that the abundance will not last.
“During this period, households can buy at cheaper rates and store them to cushion the effect when prices rise later in the year,” he added.
Zuntu also highlighted various small-scale preservation techniques, such as blending, boiling, and storing tomatoes in airtight jars, which can keep them fresh for up to six months.
In Lagos, traders have also noted the price drop. Mrs. Queen Oloyede, a vendor in Surulere, said, “A 50kg basket of tomatoes at Mile 12 market now sells for N15,000 to N20,000. Customers should stock up for the period when tomatoes will be scarce.”
Another vendor, Mrs. Judith Amen, pointed out that the highest-quality tomatoes are still relatively pricey, with a 50kg basket costing between N35,000 and N37,000.
Consumers have also shared their experiences with the surplus. Mrs. Catherine Eigbedion from Agege lamented the challenge of preserving tomatoes due to unreliable electricity.
“Tomatoes are affordable now, but preserving them without freezing is difficult for those of us with erratic electricity supply,” Eigbedion said.
Similarly, Mrs. Ebere Dudu from Dopemu urged households to prepare for future price hikes by buying and preserving tomatoes. “I bought a small basket for N3,000 recently; months ago, the same quantity cost N8,000 to N9,000. Now is the time to save for the future,” she stated.