The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has said that Nigeria currently loses 45 per cent of its 3.9 million tonnes of tomato harvest to post-harvest waste and supply chain inefficiencies annually.
He highlighted the challenge posed by the country’s heavy reliance on tomato paste imports, noting that despite Nigeria’s abundant production, it remains the world’s largest importer of the product.
Speaking at the unveiling of GB Hub Africa on Monday in Abuja, Mr Kyari lamented the inefficiencies plaguing Nigeria’s agricultural supply chain, which he said were responsible for the massive losses.
Mr Kyari, who was represented by the ministry’s Director, Ibrahim Alkali added that systemic challenges, including inadequate processing infrastructure, weak linkages between farmers and processors, and outdated farming practices, have continued to hamper the sector’s growth.
This alarming revelation comes at a time when tomato farmers are grappling with the devastating impact of the Tuta Absoluta virus, a pest infestation that is currently driving up tomato prices in markets across the country.
About tuta absoluta virus
Tuta absoluta also known as tomato leaf miner is a major pest of processed and fresh tomatoes, both in greenhouses and open field crops.
It is a notorious pest of tomato crops in Europe, Africa, Western Asia, and parts of the America. If not properly controlled, its larvae can cause up to 100 percent crop loss.
The pest belongs to the family of Gelechiidae. It is oligophagous, feeding mainly on Solanaceae species. The main host is tomato but it also feeds on other solanaceous crop plants such as potato, eggplant, capsicum pepper and tobacco as well as weeds.
Mr Kyari revealed that each year, Nigeria produces approximately 3.997 million tonnes of tomatoes, yet 45 per cent, equivalent to about 1.8 million tonnes, goes to waste due to inefficiencies in the nation’s agricultural supply chains.
This waste, according to him represents not only lost food but lost livelihoods, economic potential, and nutritional access for citizens.
“Let us first acknowledge the paradox that defines Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. Despite being the largest producer of tomatoes in Africa, Nigeria remains the world’s largest importer of tomato paste. Our reliance on imports stems from multiple systemic challenges, including inadequate processing infrastructure, poor linkages between farmers and processors, and outdated farming practices.
“The failure to connect our vibrant farmers to the processing companies that can monetise their produce exacerbates this issue. Furthermore, significant post-harvest losses and the underutilisation of existing resources hinder our farmers’ capacities to thrive,” Mr Kyari said.
GB Foods
Mr Kyari commended GB Foods for making significant strides by establishing a large tomato processing factory in Kebbi State, with a processing capacity of around 25,000 tons annually.
The factory, he noted, not only help reduce post-harvest wastage but also creates job opportunities and stimulates local economic growth.
“One of the most significant challenges is the lack of processing facilities that could convert excess tomatoes into high-demand products like pastes and sauces. GBFoods has already made significant strides by establishing a large tomato processing factory in Kebbi State, with a processing capacity of around 25,000 tons annually.”
While he noted that Nigeria’s dependence on imports stem from multiple structural bottlenecks; he maintained that the factory not only addresses the issue of wastage but also creates job opportunities and promotes local economies.
“Until we strengthen our agricultural value chains and invest in modern processing facilities, these losses will continue to cripple our food security and economic diversification efforts.
“This platform will foster innovation by empowering entrepreneurs who can bring forward solutions to our pressing food security issues and enhance nutritional access across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
Africa’s food system
In his welcome address, the Executive Director of GB Hub Africa, Nelson Amo, announced that GB Foods is committing $10 million to strengthening Africa’s food systems through the newly launched GB Hub Africa.
Mr Amo described GB Foods as a commercial food processing company that is intentionally moving beyond profit to making a real, lasting impact.
According to him, GB Hub Africa would focus on enhancing nutrition, improving food security, and creating employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women across the continent.