FG promises action against tomato smugglers

The Minister, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security ( FMAFS), Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has pledged to deal with the peddlers of tomato concentrate in the country.

Sen. Abubarka Kyari made this promise during the visit to a tomato processing facility in Kaduna state at the last National Agricultural Council Meeting.

The minister, responding to the challenges posed by tomato concentrate smugglers, promised to take appropriate action against the unholy act, pointing out that this act is undermining the economic development of the product in the country.

“We will work closely with relevant agencies to ensure that the activities of smugglers are brought to a halt", Sen Kyari assured.

Also speaking, Program Director, HortiNigeria, Mohammed Salasi Idris attributed lapses in the enforcement process of import regulations of tomato concentrate, pointing out that it was a major factor encouraging the influx of substandard products into the country.

According to him " Part of the reason these products keep entering the country is the lack of strict enforcement from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment. There is a levy of $1,500 meant to be paid by importers, but it is not being properly followed up" 

Stakeholders at the event agreed that addressing smuggling and strengthening local production capacity are key steps toward achieving self-sufficiency in tomato processing and ensuring food security in Nigeria.