A newly discovered pest is said to have ravaged the production of tomatoes in different states in Nigeria. The pest which is identified as “tuta absoluta” also known as “tomato ebola”
The Federal Government has identified six states in which this pest has affected: Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Plateau and Lagos.
According to the minister of agriculture and rural development, Audu Ogbeh who spoke during a briefing in Abuja said the government was doing all it takes to contain the outbreak.
He furthered that the inability to contain the pest so far was the result of the scarcity of tomatoes in Nigeria as against the speculation that tomato processing factories were responsible for the scarcity.
In his words,”The pest can also attack even pepper and Irish potato. So we are confronting something quite serious. But the good thing is that we are tackling it right now as experts will commence work immediately.
“We are bringing the commissioners and governors of states to jointly attack this pest, which, if not dealt with, will create serious problems for food security in our country.”
He assured that the government will take care of the problem as a matter of urgency by consulting with states and experts to solve the pest situation.
