The Nigerian government has launched an emergency intervention program to halt the spread of Ivy absoluta and African sugarcane borer, two destructive pests that threaten tomato and sugarcane production across Nigeria.
Concluding the initiative at the Federal Crop Production Technology Transfer Base in Dan Hassan, Kano State, the Minister of State for Agriculture said the outbreak is a national agricultural emergency that will severely impact harvests, farmers’ incomes and investments in the agricultural industry.
The program focuses on increasing farmer and extension worker awareness, distributing approved pest control materials, and providing technical guidance on integrated pest management. It also includes the deployment of rapid response measures to curb the ongoing spread, particularly in frontline agricultural states such as Kano.
Tomatoes remain one of the most widely grown and consumed vegetables in Nigeria and a major source of income for smallholder farmers. The minister noted that although Nigeria ranks as one of Africa’s leading tomato producing countries, repeated pest attacks, particularly by Ivy absoluta, and persistent post-harvest losses continue to undermine productivity and reduce farmers’ incomes across the value chain.
Sugarcane production, which supports jobs, reduces import dependence and provides feedstock for ethanol and bioenergy, is also under pressure from African sugarcane drillers. According to the ministry, if the spread is not addressed, increased domestic production and agro-processing could be undermined.
For agribusiness operators and small and medium-sized enterprises involved in tomato processing, sugarcane supply, transportation and marketing, this intervention is expected to stabilize the availability of raw materials and protect investments related to these crops.
The Minister highlighted recent research advances, noting that in April 2025, the National Horticultural Research Institute released two improved tomato varieties, HORTITOM4 and HORTITOM5, adapted to Nigeria’s climate. This development forms part of a broader effort to strengthen food security and strengthen crop resilience.
He also announced that the Department of Pest Control would be upgraded to a full-fledged Federal Plant Health and Pest Control Services Agency. The restructuring aims to strengthen farmer protection systems, protect strategic crops and promote climate-smart and environmentally responsible agriculture.
The Kano State government, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, was commended for prioritizing agriculture, described as an important hub for tomato cultivation, irrigated agriculture, and agro-processing.
Kano was strategically chosen for the launch considering its strategic role in irrigated agriculture and horticulture. The event featured farmer sensitization sessions on early detection of pests, safe and approved control methods, and improved agricultural and field hygiene practices.
Farmers and stakeholders received approved pest control materials, personal protective equipment, practical guides, and technical support from trained extension and plant protection officers. The ministry stressed that inputs must be used responsibly and warned against reckless pesticide spraying that could endanger human health and the environment.
Officials said close collaboration between the federal and state governments, farmer organizations and research institutes is critical to preventing the spread of infection to neighboring areas and maintaining Nigeria’s agricultural productivity.
