10 High‑Value Crops You Can Grow for Export in Nigeria

 

Introduction

Nigeria’s agricultural export market is expanding rapidly, offering farmers and agribusinesses opportunities to earn foreign exchange while diversifying income sources. With global demand rising for certain high-value crops, understanding which crops have strong export potential, and aligning production, processing, and compliance, can significantly boost profits. In this article, we explore 10 high-value export crops, their markets, and how Nigerian farmers can successfully participate.

 

1. Overview of Export Opportunities

Nigeria’s agricultural exports are on the rise. Key crops like sesame seeds, cocoa beans, and cashew nuts generated billions in revenue recently. According to BusinessDay Nigeria, sesame topped Q1 2024 exports with N247.75 billion, while cocoa contributed N230.85 billion. There’s an untapped export potential of about USD 3 billion, indicating room for growth for farmers ready to meet international standards.

 

2. Cash Crops: Cocoa, Cashew, Ginger, Sesame

Cocoa: Southern Nigeria (Ondo, Cross River, Ogun) produces premium cocoa beans. Proper fermentation, drying, and grading are crucial for export.
Cashew: Northern Nigeria (Kano, Kogi, Kwara) is a major cashew producer. Raw in-shell cashew exports are profitable, with value-addition potential in processing.
Ginger: Nigeria accounts for about 40% of global ginger supply. Quality, drying, and grading ensure export readiness.
Sesame: A drought-resistant crop grown mainly in northern Nigeria. Strong demand exists in Asia, Europe, and Japan.

 

3. Organic Vegetables and Fruits

Organic vegetables and fruits are increasingly sought after globally. Farmers growing crops like spinach, cherry tomatoes, herbs, hibiscus flowers, and moringa can access premium markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Key steps include organic certification, off-season production, cold-chain logistics, and value-added packaging.

 

4. Spices and Herbs

Spices and herbs are trending due to global health and culinary demand. Ginger, turmeric, hibiscus, moringa, and mint are export-ready if processed, dried, and packaged properly. Traceability, origin documentation, and quality branding help Nigerian farmers access international buyers.

 

5. Certification and Export Regulations

To export successfully, farmers must comply with regulations and obtain certifications:

·                     NEPC Exporter’s Certificate

·                     Quality Standards: ISO 22000, HACCP, Phytosanitary Certificate

·                     Labeling & Documentation: Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, NXP form

·                     Export Logistics: Freight, cold storage, and value addition improve margins

·                     Stay updated on policies such as bans on raw exports to encourage local processing.

 

Conclusion

Exporting high-value crops offers Nigerian farmers a chance to increase income, participate in global markets, and contribute to national foreign exchange earnings. By focusing on cocoa, cashew, ginger, sesame, organic produce, and spices, and following proper export protocols, farmers can scale operations profitably. Start small, ensure quality, and build strong market links for long-term success.