Tomato growers under the leadership of Bola Oyeleke, President of TOPAN, are urging the Nigerian government and state governors to dismantle illegal roadblocks and unify levy systems nationwide. They argue these checkpoints are choking the agricultural food chain, particularly for perishable goods like tomatoes and vegetables.
Oyeleke highlighted the array of problems caused by these checkpoints: delays during transport result in spoilage and heavy post-harvest losses; drivers are routinely extorted and occasionally assaulted; and the constant threat of accidents arises when drivers attempt to evade the roadblocks . These disruptions not only cut into farmers’ profits but also raise consumer food prices overall.
To address the issue, he suggested centralising and standardising the levy system across states and markets. Currently, freight operators and vendors must contend with a patchwork of legal charges, illegal fees, and market-specific taxes. Reform here, Oyeleke believes, would significantly ease operational strain for small-scale farmers.
The pressure from checkpoints and unauthorized tolls has a profound effect on supply chain dynamics. Increased transportation costs and delays mean middlemen lower the farm-gate prices offered to growers, undermining their ability to recover production costs. Many smallholder farmers are forced into selling at a loss just to ensure their tomatoes reach markets in major cities like Lagos, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt.
Oyeleke applauded the government’s decision to act, but emphasised that this alone is insufficient. The success of reforms depends on fully removing illegal checkpoints and streamlining tax systems—from roadsides to marketplaces—to foster a consistent, secure, and supportive environment for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
