Kano Assembly Raises Alarm Over Devastating Tomato Pest Outbreak Threatening Food Supply

Kano Assembly Raises Alarm Over Devastating Tomato Pest Outbreak Threatening Food Supply

Kano Nigeria 14 May 2026

The Kano State House of Assembly has sounded the alarm over the rapid spread of Tuta Absoluta, a destructive tomato pest currently ravaging farms across several major agricultural communities in the state, raising fears of severe crop losses, food shortages, and a spike in tomato prices across Nigeria.

The concern was raised during plenary on Wednesday by the Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, representing Karaye Constituency, while presenting the committee’s findings on the worsening infestation.

According to Ibrahim, the committee was directed to investigate the outbreak following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Ali Lawan Kiyawa, a lawmaker representing Bagwai/Shanono Constituency, who drew the Assembly’s attention to the alarming destruction of tomato farms in his area.

The committee’s investigation revealed that the infestation has already spread across several key tomato-producing communities in Kano State, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and the stability of the agricultural sector.

Affected areas identified by the committee include Bagwai, Shanono, Rogo, Tofa, Bunkure, Kura, Garun Malam, Rano, Kibiya, as well as parts of Tudun Wada and Dawakin Kudu local government areas — communities widely known for large-scale tomato cultivation and supply to markets within and outside the state.

Speaking during the plenary session, Ibrahim described Tuta Absoluta as one of the most dangerous pests affecting tomato production globally, noting that it attacks tomato plants at every stage of growth.

He explained that the pest destroys leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits, leaving farmers with devastating losses if urgent intervention measures are not implemented.

“The outbreak has severe consequences, not only for farmers but for the state and the nation as a whole. It is already contributing to tomato scarcity and increasing prices in markets nationwide,” Ibrahim warned.

The lawmaker stressed that beyond the economic impact on farmers, the situation could trigger wider food security concerns, considering Kano State’s strategic role in Nigeria’s agricultural supply chain.

Tomatoes remain one of the most consumed food items in Nigerian households, and any disruption in production often leads to sharp increases in food costs, affecting millions of consumers.

To contain the spread of the pest, the committee recommended immediate government intervention and stronger collaboration among agricultural stakeholders.

Among the recommendations presented before the House was the urgent provision of critical farming support materials to the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority. These include insecticides, pheromone traps, sprayers, and protective equipment needed to combat the infestation and prevent further destruction of farms.

The committee also urged the deployment of agricultural extension workers to affected communities to educate farmers on modern pest control techniques and integrated pest management strategies.

Lawmakers further called for massive sensitisation campaigns to help farmers identify the pest early and apply appropriate control measures before outbreaks become uncontrollable.

In addition, the Assembly recommended stronger collaboration between the state government, local government councils, research institutions, and development partners to tackle the crisis effectively.

The committee also expressed concern over the increasing circulation of fake and substandard agrochemicals in local markets, warning that the use of ineffective chemicals could worsen the infestation and expose farmers to financial losses.

As part of its recommendations, the House called for strict monitoring and regulation of agrochemical sales across the state to ensure farmers have access to safe and effective products.

Relief support for affected farmers was also proposed, with lawmakers urging the government to assist victims whose farms and investments have already been destroyed by the outbreak.

Agricultural experts have long warned that Tuta Absoluta, often referred to as the “tomato leaf miner,” poses a major threat to tomato production due to its rapid reproduction and resistance to poorly managed pesticide applications.

The latest outbreak in Kano is expected to intensify concerns among traders and consumers, especially as tomato prices continue to fluctuate in major markets across the country.

With thousands of farmers depending on tomato cultivation for survival, stakeholders say swift intervention will be critical in preventing further losses and protecting one of Nigeria’s most important food supply chains.