The Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (TOPAN) has predicted a steady increase in the price of the produce between May and June 2026.

The Kaduna State Chairman TOPAN, Rabiu Zuntu, disclosed this in an interview recently in Lagos.

Zuntu noted that although there is no particular time for tomatoes planting season up north, seasonal weather variations can affect the production of the produce.

“Although we can plant tomatoes all-year-round, we cannot assure quality harvest all-year-round.

“Some farmers are harvesting now, while others are transplanting, and others are harvesting.

“Tomatoes are still available for sale but the price of the produce is gradually on the increase.

“Come May/June, the prices of tomatoes will be very expensive, so now is a good time to stock up the produce. There’s always a scarcity within that period.

“This is because of the nature of the weather in the north around that period, the weather is usually very hot and tomatoes cannot resist such hot temperature,” he said.

Zuntu said the price of tomatoes have started rising up in the north.

“A 50kg rafia basket of tomatoes sells from N20,000 as against N7,000 to N10,000 that was sold earlier in the year.

“While a crate of tomatoes up north is sold between N10,000 and N15,000 as against N5,000 to N6,500 sold earlier in the year.

“In most part of Kano State, where there is bumper harvest, they are rounding off their harvest. So, tomato is not that available there and most buyers have turned to where they can find it now, mostly within Kaduna State and some parts of Plateau State.

“So, that’s why the supply has decreased and the tomato supply and cost is determined by the law of demand and supply,” he said.

A 50kg basket of tomatoes in Lagos, at the moment, sells between N40,000 and N60,000 depending on the size and quality.

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has commenced the second phase of interviews for the 2026/2027 PhD award under its Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS), targeting 2,102 PhD applicants across Nigeria.

Speaking during the screening on Monday in Abuja, Dr.

According to him, Abuja accounts for 912 candidates, scheduled for interviews over a five-day period, out of the 2,102 shortlisted nationwide.

Mustapha said the selection process followed the Federal Character principle, ensuring that candidates compete within their respective states, with top-performing applicants emerging based on merit.

He said the number of successful candidates to be awarded scholarships would depend strictly on budgetary provisions, with final decisions to be made by PTDF management after the interview process.

The PTDF official also disclosed that while the UK remains a destination for MSc scholars, the Fund has domesticated its PhD programme through a split-site arrangement involving partner universities, with candidates spending part of their study period abroad.

“Other countries participating in the scheme include Malaysia, Germany and France.

“The fund received over 30,000 applications for both MSc and PhD programmes, from which about 5,800 candidates were shortlisted for interviews,’’ he said.

The delegation from the Federal Character Commission (FCC) was on ground to monitor the ongoing PTDF 2026/2027 Scholarship selection for fairness

During the monitoring visit, the State Coordinator of the commission, John Uchara, accompanied by the Commissioner representing Benue State, Prof. Eugene Aleba, lauded PTDF for demonstrating compliance with federal character principles in the ongoing exercise.

Uchara said the commission’s presence was to ensure transparency, equity, and balance in the process, noting that the oversight was necessary to address concerns about marginalisation and imbalance in national opportunities.

“The exercise is open to candidates from all states of the federation, reinforcing inclusiveness in the selection process.

“Our duty is to ensure that what is being done here reflects the federal character principles, to avoid complaints from any part of Nigeria.

“From what we have seen, there is serious compliance with the principles. However, the final assessment will be based on the overall intake and how well it reflects national balance,” he said.

The FCC official, while reaffirming its commitment for continuous monitoring to ensure fairness and transparency, urged PTDF to consider expanding the scope of the programme to accommodate more qualified applicants.

A panelist at the ongoing interviews, Prof. Bashir Aliyu, from Modibbo Adama University, Yola, described the quality of candidates as highly impressive, noting that the process was progressing smoothly and transparently.

“We have started the interviews very well, and the exercise is progressing smoothly with candidates demonstrating strong academic and research potential.

“The panel focuses primarily on assessing the overall quality of candidates, including their academic background, research capacity, and the relevance of their proposed PhD work to national development.

“We look at their first degree, their master’s performance, their ability, and the quality of the work they present, especially in terms of innovation, potential for patenting, and usefulness to the country,” he explained.

He said while preliminary screening such as verification of academic records and credentials had already been conducted by PTDF, the panel’s role was to evaluate the strength and originality of candidates’ PhD proposals, as well as their professional conduct and research experience.

On the integrity of the process, Aliyu disclosed that PTDF has put in place robust verification mechanisms, including document authentication and checks on publications, to ensure only credible candidates are selected.

Tanko Fwadwabea, a Chemical Engineer, said his proposed PhD research focused on process simulation for blue hydrogen production, with the goal of adding value to Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources while reducing carbon emissions.

He expressed optimism that the scholarship opportunity would enable him to realise his research ambitions and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s energy future.

A returning candidate, Cornelia Collins-Onoha, a geosciences-based researcher while expressing optimism said her proposed PhD study focused on the spread and persistence of antimicrobial-resistant genes in aquatic environments, particularly in communities affected by oil pollution.

“I was here in 2025 but didn’t make the final list. However, I remain hopeful that this time around it will work out. This year, the process is prompter and more structured,” she said.

Collins-Onoha expressed confidence that her research and determination would contribute meaningfully to both environmental sustainability and public health in Nigeria.

The Federal Government announced on Sunday that electricity generation improved from 3,951 MW to 4,300 between March 28 and April 10.

This is contained in a statement issued by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Strategic Communications and Media Relations in Abuja.

The gradual rise in generation output within the period, Tunji said, was in tandem with the assurance given by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, at the Power Sector Working Group, where he pledged that electricity supply would improve within two weeks.

He explained that this improvement closely aligns with the steady increase in gas supply to thermal power plants, which rose from approximately 605 million standard cubic feet (mmscfd) to over 704 mmscfd within the same timeframe.

Tunji further stated that mechanical availability remained stable and even improved, peaking at over 7,796 Megawatts (MW) in early April, while operational availability rose from about 4,208MW to a peak of over 4,694MW, indicating enhanced efficiency in converting available gas into electricity.

“Inspite of minor fluctuations recorded on some days, the overall trajectory points to a gradual recovery in the power sector, driven largely by improved gas supply and better coordination among critical stakeholders,” he said.

Tunji also said that the strong correlation between gas availability and generation output underscores the importance of sustained interventions in the gas-to-power value chain, given Nigeria’s heavy reliance on thermal power plants.

”To consolidate the gains recorded so far, the minister recently inaugurated a Gas-to-Power Monitoring Committee to ensure improved coordination, real-time monitoring, and sustained gas supply to generating companies.

“The committee is expected to address bottlenecks in gas delivery, enhance synergy between gas producers and power generation companies, and ultimately guarantee a more stable and reliable electricity supply across the country, “he said.

“The minister remains committed to ensuring that the modest gains recorded are not only sustained but significantly improved upon in the coming weeks,” he said.

Tunji assured Nigerians that ongoing reforms and targeted interventions in the sector would continue to yield measurable improvements in power generation and supply, in line with the administration’s broader objective of stabilising the nation’s electricity sector.

“We are not there yet, but we will continue to ensure measurable improvements, “he said.

Tunji also said that the minister urged the new management of the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) to focus on improving its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

The minister spoke during the visit of the newly appointed Managing Director of the agency, Olusegun Adesayo and the chairman of the Board, Ikechi Nwosu to his office at the weekend.

Adelabu said that the agency should focus on improving IGR while reducing dependence on appropriation, especially in funding their operational cost.

He also urged the management to look into establishing more meter testing centres across the country in order to enhance and improve on their role.

While expressing confidence in the new management, he assured that the full board would be inaugurated soon.

“I have no doubt about your ability and I can also say that with your appointment by the president, you will do well. The President knows what he is doing by appointing you and any appointee of the president will have my full cooperation, “he said.

Decrying the dearth of manpower, especially meter installers, the minister again reiterated his call for collaboration between the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) and NEMSA to tackle the issue.

“We need to ensure more installers are trained in order to accelerate the government’s plan to bridge the meter gap in the country, “he said.

On meter testing stations, he said that there should be a plan towards having them in each of the geo-political zones.

He urged Adesayo to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis of the agency and list the challenges in order to know where to start from.

Earlier, the Managing Director may have informed the minister of his visit to the other agencies to get their support.

He also spoke on the required support from the ministry in order to ensure the successful discharge of the agency‘s responsibilities.