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)
The Lagos State Government has sealed multiple buildings being constructed without planning permit in Lagos Island as part of the on-going clampdown on defaulters.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, who led the exercise reaffirmed government’s firm stance against illegal building constructions.
The affected properties that were sealed for lacking the requisite permits for building construction include: Number 7 Okesuna Street, 42/64 Okepopo Street, 11/15 Sunmonu Street, 22 Olushi Street, 8 Isalegangan Street.
Others are on Oroyinyin, Faji, and Omididun Streets, among others. While cautioning contravening building developers, Olumide said that it had become imperative for government to compel the right and positive attitude from the people towards physical planning laws, after months of gracious amnesty to buildings without planning permit.
According to him, the amnesty program provided an opportunity for property owners to regularise their building permits without facing immediate penalties.
“Unfortunately, many disregarded this initiative while it lasted and now proceed with illegal constructions that fail to meet structural, environmental, and safety standards.
“Our goal is to encourage compliance, ensuring that Lagos remains a safe and orderly city for all residents.
“The exercise will be extended to other parts of the State to ensure compliance.
“No doubt, unregulated developments pose significant risks to the built environment, including structural collapse, environmental degradation, and disruption to planned city layouts.”
The commissioner decried the spate of illegal building construction on Lagos Island, especially building on narrow strips of land that leaves no room for adequate setbacks and air spaces, as he ordered the stoppage of the ongoing construction on number 8, Isale gangan Street for its narrowness.
He warned residents, property owners and property developers of their civic duty to obtain necessary approvals before embarking on building construction, while urging owners of adjoining small parcels of land to seriously consider the land-pooling option to aid livable, organised and sustainable built environment.
Olumide highlighted the importance of whistleblowing on illegal constructions, saying that residents were encouraged to provide information that would assist the government discover physical planning contraventions at their infancy and act promptly in the interest of all to sustain the State’s development agenda as it relates to the physical planing sector.
Other officials on the operation exercise include: Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Olumide Sotire, Directors in the ministry and top officials of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, LASPPPA.
By Gloria Ikibah
The newly appointed European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, has reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in solidifying its position as a stabilizing force in Africa.
Ambassador Mignot expressed optimism about Nigeria’s journey towards becoming a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable nation built on a strong democratic foundation that upholds the rights of all its citizens.
The envoy stated this at a media luncheon with journalists in Abuja, acknowledging the vibrant role of the European Chamber of Commerce (Eurocham) under the leadership of its Chairman, Yann Jigler.
He outlined plans to explore untapped opportunities for enhanced trade and investment, while launching new initiatives and projects aimed at strengthening the partnership between Nigeria and the EU.
However, the Ambassador noted the absence of a formal agreement or structured dialogue framework between Nigeria and the EU on trade and economic issues.
He expressed the willingness of the EU to address this gap by fostering better economic relations and dialogue to remove barriers that hinder increased European investment and trade in Nigeria.
Ambassador Mignot further reiterated that EU relationship with Nigeria is anchored on shared values such as human rights, democracy, the rule of law, multilateralism, and adherence to international law. He underscored the importance of aligning mutual interests to ensure a stronger and more dynamic partnership.
A popular undertaker in Kogi state, Segun Adekoya has been killed by some yet-to-be-identified gunman.
It was gathered that Adekoya was killed on the Egbe-Ogbe-Ponyan road in Yagba East local government of Kogi state over the weekend.
The incident was said to have occurred on Saturday, January 25, at about 5 pm while the team of undertakers were returning to Egbe from a funeral in Ponyan community.
A source within the community said, “The undertaker group headed by Aegun Adekoya is loved greatly in the community, because of its quality service delivery at funeral or burial ceremony.
“He bought a well equipped ambulance on 24th December 2024, with the assistance of people to ease smooth operation of his chosen profession in the community,” the source said.
He, however noted that on Saturday morning the unfortunate incident took place as kidnappers carried out their activities in the area.
A motorcycle operator was also kidnapped during the incident.
The victim’s motorcycle is said to have been recovered from the scene in order to identify the owner.
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