Rate of Tomatoes Consumption in Nigeria

Here in this post, we are going to discuss in great detail the rate of tomatoes consumption in Nigeria. We hope you find this informative.

In a statement, the rate of tomatoes consumption in Nigeria is on the high side! Nigeria actually has been ranked the 14th largest tomatoes producer the world over.

However, within the African continent, Nigeria is the second producer of tomatoes after Egypt, and statistics have proven that Nigeria accounts for about sixty five (65%) percent of all the tomatoes that are produced in West Africa.

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Having said that, we are actually looking at the rate of tomatoes consumption in Nigeria. Nevertheless, given the Nigeria’s position in terms of tomatoes production both in the world and in the African continent, Nigeria is still remained the largest tomatoes paste importer in the world.

Therefore, in this article, I will be showing us by way of figures and statements, such that will graphically paints a picture depicted the rate of tomatoes consumption in Nigeria.

Consumption Rate of Tomatoes in Nigeria

Below are some of the indicators which pointed to the rate of tomatoes consumption in Nigeria:

Nigeria Produces About 65 Percent Tomatoes in West Africa

I have said earlier in this article that, Nigeria ranked 14th the world over, and 2nd in the African continent, when it comes to tomatoes production.

Statistics have also shown that, in all the tomatoes produced in the entire West Africa, Nigeria is reputed to produced well over sixty five (65%) percent.

Going by the above figure, Nigeria’s level of tomatoes production in West Africa is actually above average hence, an indication, showing the rate at which tomatoes has been consumed in Nigeria.

Nigeria Import an Average Of 150, 000 Of Metric Tons Of Tomatoes Paste Annually

This is another indication or figure pointing to the rate of tomatoes consumption in Nigeria. If Nigeria, after ranking the 14th tomatoes producer in the world and the 2nd in the African continent, and yet still importing an average of 150, 000 metric tons of concentrate tomatoes paste annually, which off course, is valued at about $170 US million dollar some few years ago, then, it is simple to determined the rate of tomatoes consumption in Nigeria.

In fact, as a result the Central Bank of Nigeria of late has indeed, expressed concern and worry over such whooping sum of money, the N11.7 billion naira Nigeria has spent to import over 65, 809 metric tons of processed concentrated tomatoes paste abroad.

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A Call For Partnership In Building A Competitive Tomatoes Industry In Nigeria.

This call for partnership in building a competitive tomatoes industry in Nigeria, in a sense, has also try to point at the rate of tomatoes consumption in Nigeria, which really indicated the high rate of tomatoes consumption in Nigeria.

Given the high rate of tomatoes consumption in Nigeria, stakeholders’ forum has been convened to look at the possible way of partnering to building a competitive tomatoes industry in this country.

There were some discoveries attributed to the massive tomatoes importation into the country, which according to them, is as a result of the dysfunctional agricultural value chain system experienced in Nigeria.

According to the forum, the dysfunctional has led to loss of tomatoes produced in Nigeria, which they say is over fifty (50%) percent, owing to poor preservation, and poor marketing, and distribution hiccups, as well as, access to the markets.

Hence, there was need to strengthen Nigeria’s tomatoes industry by way of partnerships with a view to realise the potential in tomatoes production in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Current Demands For Fresh Tomatoes Crop In Nigeria Is Escalated:

Again looking at the rate of demand for fresh tomatoes fruit in the country, one will however, marvels at the rate of tomatoes consumption in Nigeria.

For instance, the current rate of Nigeria’s demand for fresh tomatoes crop is at the 2.45 million metric tons annually. Presently the country is producing 1.8 million metric tons.

Nigeria as of late is importing about 150, 000 metric tons of concentrated tomatoes paste every year, unlike the 65, 809 metric tons the country produced some years back.

In fact out of all the tomatoes produced in Nigeria, about 40 to 50 percent have never got to the market owing to post harvest losses recorded during the peak of tomatoes production in Nigeria. Unfortunately, these losses are approximately about $15 billion dollars.

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Consumption Rate of Tomatoes in Nigeria Has Led to Job Creation in China and Spain including Italy by Nigerians:

Yes, given the rate of tomatoes consumption in Nigeria, Nigerian tomatoes exporters have succeeded in creating more jobs in the countries, where they imported tomatoes paste from, for example, China and Spain, as well as, Italy, which are some of the countries exporting concentrated tomatoes paste into Nigeria. You could imagine the tomatoes importation consequence.

Tomatoes importers from Nigeria, took much delight in importing tomatoes, rather than making efforts to invest in tomatoes production business in the country.

Instead of helping tomatoes producing farmers in tomatoes production by making provision for tomatoes processing factories in the country, where tomatoes fruits can be processed into tomatoes paste, they tomatoes importers have become of great disservice to tomatoes farmers in the country hence, through their importation trade have succeeded in creating jobs in China, and Spain, as well as, Italy.

Given The Rate Of Tomatoes Consumption In Nigeria, Nigerians Are Consuming Substandard Imported Tomatoes, Whose Minimum Quality Test Of NAFDAC Has Failed By 75 Percent:

This is quite true! Due to the rate of tomatoes consumption in Nigeria, the minimum quality test of tomatoes that are imported into the country by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC has failed by about 75 percent. One can then imagine the consequence of importing substandard tomatoes paste into the country, the harm this tomatoes importation has caused the generality of Nigeria population, who consumed these imported products.

Conclusion

However, given Nigeria’s position in terms of tomatoes production both in the world and in the African continent, as well as, the level of tomatoes importation into the country, Nigeria’s rate of tomatoes consumption seems to be on the high side.