In Nigeria, the tomato-processing industry is currently facing a paradox, according to actors from the sector. Truly, while local production could satisfy market needs, the country still injects N12 billion per year in tomato imports.

These imports lead to the wasting of about 750,000 tons of the commodity, yearly, due to challenges in stocking, industries’ supply chain and unstable prices. This further resulted in close to 3,000 workers of this industry losing their jobs.

According to Nnamdi Nnodebe, Director General of Sonia Foods Industries Ltd (SFIL), government’s current strategy, which lists tomato paste as a product whose import would no more benefit from foreign currencies, is most welcomed. He added that Nigeria has the necessary means to become an exporter of tomato paste, if Heads of Northern States, where climate favors cultivation of tomato, partner with serious local firms.

Aaron Akinocho