News
Price of tomatoes crashes amid glut, post-harvest losses

The price of tomatoes has crashed in Lagos and some other parts of the country over what farmers attributed to the glut being experienced due to the harvest season.
A tomato glut, which occurs annually from January to March in Nigeria, is a situation where there is an excess of tomatoes, often leading to a fall in price. This can happen when tomato plants produce more fruits than can be sold.
Tomatoes sell for as low as N10,000 to 12,000 for a 50kg basket, depending on the species. A 25kg plastic crate of tomatoes sells between N6,000 and N7,000 up North.
A big basket of tomatoes in Lagos goes for between N13,000 and N15,000 against N140,000 and N150,000 in May 2024.
Rabiu Zuntu, the chairman, Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria, Kaduna State chapter, attributed the development to harvest season.
“One of the problems we face in the tomato sector is that the period from January, February, and March is the tomato glut (excess harvest of tomatoes).
“During this glut period, households can buy it at a cheaper price and preserve it for the time when the price goes up,” Mr Zuntu said.
Some tomato vendors in Lagos State also acknowledged the price drop and the need for households to preserve the produce now that it is in surplus.
Queen Oloyede, a trader in the Surulere area of the state, said, “Since a week ago, a basket of 50kg tomatoes sells at the Mile 12 market for between N15,000 and N20,000.
“I advise customers to begin to stock up for the time the produce will be scarce in the market.”
Another trader, Judith Amen, said the current price of the highest quality of tomatoes is still a bit expensive.
“Presently, the highest quality of tomatoes at the Mile 12 market sells between N35,000 and N37,000 for a 50kg basket. People should preserve the quantity they can buy,” Ms Amen said.
Similarly, some consumers shared their experiences with journalists on the price of the produce and their preservation efforts.
Catherine Eigbedion, a resident of the Agege area of the Lagos State, said the inconsistent electricity supply hinders her preservation efforts.
“If I know how to preserve tomatoes without freezing them, I will buy more,” Ms Eigbedion said.
On her part, Ebere Dudu, a housewife in the Dopemu area, admitted that the price of tomatoes was affordable presently but unpredictable.
“I bought a small basket at N3,000 recently. That same quantity used to sell for as high as N8,000 or N9,000 months back. If you have the ability to preserve tomatoes, this is the time to use that ability,” Ms Duru said.
Also, Queen Akpan said if she could afford the price, she would preserve the produce for future use.
“If I can afford to buy in bulk, I will do so and save funds for the days it will become expensive,” Ms Akpan said.
(NAN)
News
Lagos police uncover baby factory, nab three suspects

The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a baby factory in the Ijegun area and rescued 10 people.
According to the spokesperson for the command, Benjamin Hundeyin, also shared that three suspects were nabbed on Monday.
Hundeyin disclosed the illegal activity was exposed after the police received a tip-off last Saturday.
He added that the officers swift into action to the location and arrested the main suspect, Mariam Vincent, aged 35, along with two others – Orie Ruth, 23, and Ujunwa Ifeanyi, 18.
During the operation, the police found and rescued several victims, including three children aged seven, five, and two.
In conclusion, seven adult women and three children were rescued.
Among the adult victims were Precious
(24), Magdalene (25), Adaobi (23), Princess (22), Ifeanyi (25), and Amaka (26).
The rescued children are Destiny (7), Miracle (5), and Success (2).
All the rescued people are now getting proper care and support.
Hundeyin said the suspects admitted during questioning that they kidnapped the victims from different places in the state to run the baby factory.
He added that the investigation is still ongoing and the suspects will face charges in court.
While giving updates on police efforts over the past two weeks,
Hundeyin said, “A total of 39 suspects who engaged in various crimes, including murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, child stealing, vandalism, illegal operation of a baby factory, illegal possession of firearms, and illicit drugs were arrested.”
In another case, police officers rescued two kidnapped people in Igbe Alagemo, Ijede area of Ikorodu.
The kidnappers had attacked the community at night on March 26, 2025.
The police said the victims were safely rescued on March 29 after a joint effort with local teams and security forces.
A distress call had been received around 9 p.m. on the night of the attack.
Hundeyin explained, “Armed kidnappers invaded the quiet community, forcefully entering the residence of a 40-year-old man identified as Dare. The attackers shot and killed his security dog before abducting him.
“Not stopping there, the kidnappers proceeded to a neighbouring house, where they seized a second victim, 25-year-old Rodiat, under similarly violent circumstances.”
He said the police and other security teams worked non-stop for three days before rescuing the victims at about 11:56 p.m. on March 29.
“The victims were immediately reunited with their families, and the area is now relatively calm.
“Surveillance continues, and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the crime,” he added.
News
OERAF Executive Director Dr Akpodiete, Held Memorial lecture on Essence and benefits of health insurance+Photos

…Enrolled over 400 indigents into Delta state health insurance scheme
In a very unique and significant way of tackling health challenges in our society, the ever passionate and health insurance ambassador (HIA), Executive Director of Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) Dr Otemu Olotu Akpodiete held memorial lecture on essence and benefits of health insurance in Nigeria in honour of his late grand father, Late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Ph.D
Speaking during the event at both Okparabe and Otor-Udu respectively yesterday, he noted that health insurance is very important to every family in the society.
Akpodiete explained that, Sometimes there might be an emergency and if you don’t have health insurance, you will spent alot before you can be attended to by Medical organizations. But if there’s health insurance card with you it get easier.
“He further commended the Delta state government led by His Excellency, Rt Hon (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, for brining this good initiative and it’s very affordable, just with seven thousands naira, you get enrolled unlike the federal government that is almost forty thousand per person.” he added.
The Director General (DG) of the Delta State Contributory health commission, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta ably represented by Mr. Emmanuel Akpofure, thanked the sponsor Dr Akpodiete for being the first person across Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency to register indigents for the scheme. He called on other wealthy individuals to emulate this young man.
Dr Akpodiete also received commendation from several beneficiaries of the scheme, they said that to enrole over 400 persons in this program so far is not a joke, each person is seven thousand naira and Dr Olotu Akpodiete is not the most wealthiest before doing it. He is a man with so much passion for humanity and we prayed God to grant him his heart desires.” they concluded.
Other highlights of the event was presentation of health insurance ambassador (HIA) award to the sponsor.
News
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