The news as it trends.
Tomato producers in Nigeria, led by the Tomato and Orchard Producers Association of Nigeria (TOPAN), are calling on the federal government to dismantle illegal checkpoints across the country.
These roadblocks, often manned by security agents and local authorities, are blamed for delays, extortion, and the spoilage of perishable goods like tomatoes.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has backed the call, acknowledging that these checkpoints contribute to food inflation and disrupt the national supply chain.
Farmers say the checkpoints not only increase transport costs but also cause significant post-harvest losses, especially in northern states where tomatoes are grown in bulk.
Removing these barriers, they argue, would ease the burden on farmers, reduce food prices, and improve national food security.
The issue is trending as Nigerians face rising costs of living and food scarcity, with stakeholders pushing for urgent policy reforms to ensure smoother, corruption-free transport of agricultural goods across state lines.
Leave a Reply