Nigeria’s Horticulture Sector Eyes $500 Million Export
Nigeria’s horticultural export industry is gaining momentum, with export earnings reaching approximately $248 million in 2023, according to the Produce Export Development Alliance (PEDA). The organization’s latest analysis highlights strong growth trends and forecasts that horticultural exports could climb to $500 million by 2030, provided key obstacles are effectively addressed.
PEDA’s report also reveals a consistent upward trend in the country’s broader agricultural export sector. In 2020, exports were valued at N321.5 billion (about $772.6 million), rebounding from N270 billion ($650 million) in 2019. The sector peaked in 2021 with exports hitting N504.9 billion ($1.2 billion), and growth has continued since. In 2023, agricultural export value surged to N1.23 trillion, with the final quarter alone contributing a remarkable N1.54 trillion.
The top ten agricultural exports in the fourth quarter of 2023 reflected a diverse product mix, including raw materials like crude shea (karite) oil, cashew nuts (both shelled and in-shell), and natural cocoa butter. Processed items such as soybean flours and meals were also prominent, alongside horticultural products like cut flowers. High-value exports including frozen shrimps, prawns, sesamum seeds, and premium cocoa beans further underlined the sector’s growing strength.
Despite this growth, agricultural exports accounted for only 5.73% of Nigeria’s total exports in 2024, pointing to significant untapped potential.
However, PEDA identified several persistent challenges limiting the sector’s full potential. High freight charges reduce the global competitiveness of Nigerian products, while the steep cost of vegetable seeds affects yield and quality. Insufficient cold chain infrastructure contributes to high post-harvest losses, and poor road networks and inefficient port operations lead to damaging delays in shipments. PEDA also emphasized the importance of strong collaboration and effective teamwork in boosting export performance.
Adetiloye Continental, Chief Executive of PEDA, emphasized that continued progress in the sector depends on strategic investments in infrastructure, favorable government policies, and comprehensive capacity building. He stressed that enhancing cold storage facilities and transport systems is vital to reduce losses and improve product quality. Additionally, the development of efficient logistics hubs will be critical to streamline export processes.
With targeted efforts to address these barriers, Nigeria’s horticultural export industry is well-positioned to make a more impactful contribution to both the national economy and global trade.
SOURCE
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