7 reasons why FG should not ban the importation of tomato paste

– The scarcity of tomatoes in Nigeria has become a major issue

– Many have taken to the use of tomato paste as an alternative to fresh tomatoes

– The Association of Stakeholders in Edible Consumer Products in Nigeria has a message for the federal government

The Association of Stakeholders in Edible Consumer Products in Nigeria has advised the federal government not to ban the importation of tomato paste into the country.

In a statement signed by the chairman and secretary of the association; Francis Chukwudebelu and Greg Azubogu respectively, the group opined that it will be premature to ban the importation of the products.

The group stated that its long time projection is to ensure local production of as many consumer goods as possible thereby helping the country towards attaining self-sufficiency, create employment and boost the foreign exchange earnings.

The group however reeled out seven reasons why they think tomato paste should not be banned.

Read below:

1. Nigeria does not produce enough tomatoes to meet the demands of consumers of regular tomatoes and for the processing of tomato paste and concentrate. The scarcity of tomato currently being experienced and the cost of tomato pulp in the market today testifies to this assertion.

2. The specie of tomato seedling currently in Nigeria cannpt sustain the production of concentrate; not all tomato pulp can be used for paste and the species required are in short supply in Nigeria.

3. The current specie widely cultivated in Nigeria has about 90% water content and less than 8% content of material required for production of tomato paste; this is wasteful, not cost productive and competitive hence the need to cultivate the appropriate specie for sustainable production.

4. Where there is a ban and the demand outweighs supply, the prices will go up driving inflation with it.

5. Due to shortage of supply, there will be scarcity and to bridge that gap, smugglers will leave a field day

6. When there is smuggling, it grows the income of neighbouring countries to the detriment of our dear country.

7. The country ultimately loses income from custom duties and there is no regulation for smuggled goods and then the real substandard and poisonous market.

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