• Nigeria launched an emergency program on February 12 to curb the spread of Tuta absoluta, which can destroy up to 80–100% of untreated tomato crops.

• Authorities reported more than 1.3 billion naira in tomato losses in May 2025, contributing to higher market prices.

• Nigeria produced 3.73 million tons of tomatoes in 2024 across nearly 824,000 hectares, with output stagnating year-on-year.

The Ministry of Agriculture of Nigeria launched the program on February 12 to address the rapid spread of the pest, which authorities describe as the most destructive threat to tomato crops. The moth species feeds on leaves and fruits and can cause losses of 80% to 100% in untreated fields.

According to a statement published on the website of the Ministry of Information, the initiative will raise farmer awareness, distribute approved phytosanitary inputs and provide technical support on integrated pest management practices to quickly contain infestations.

In addition, the program will promote two tomato varieties, HORTITOM4 and HORTITOM5, which researchers developed in 2025. Authorities designed the varieties for open-field, greenhouse and irrigated cultivation. Officials stated that the varieties show good disease tolerance and yield between 21.7 and 27.2 tons per hectare.

“The tomato is not only a widely cultivated and consumed vegetable in the country, but also a major source of income for smallholder farmers. Nigeria ranks among Africa’s leading tomato producers, and this crop supports millions of jobs in production, processing, transport and marketing,” Agriculture Minister Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi said.

The move follows reports of tomato crop losses linked to Tuta absoluta in several northern producing states, including Kano, Katsina and Kaduna, during the previous year. In May 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture estimated that the pest caused losses exceeding 1.3 billion naira and contributed to rising market prices.

Moreover, the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) highlighted renewed pest infestations, including a resurgence of Tuta absoluta, in Kano State in its 2024 annual agricultural campaign report.

Nigeria produced 3.73 million tons of tomatoes in 2024, according to NAERLS data. Farmers cultivated nearly 824,000 hectares, while output remained broadly flat year-on-year.

This article was initially published in French by Stéphanas Assocle

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum