The Nigerian Customs Service is to commence the implementation of the New Tomato Production Policy which would see to the increase of tariff for imported tomato paste.

The tomato policy which was passed by the Federal Executive Council is meant to discourage importation of tomato paste and encourage local processing of tomato paste.

The  Nigerian Customs had failed to implement the policy which caused the closure of some tomato processing factories.

But due to the intervention of the Vice President, Yemi Osibanjo, to implement the policy, some tomato processing factories that were shut down, have indicated interests to commence processing of tomato paste.

When implemented, the policy will ensure that tomato paste importers pay higher duty with a $1,500 per metric tonne of tomato paste imported.

This will cut down reliance on imported tomato from China and Italy and see to the utilization of the already established processing plants in the country.

According to the Tomato Growers Association of Nigeria (TGAN), the importation of tomato paste costs Nigeria over 10billion dollars every year.