Nigeria Imports Cassava Despite Being the World’s Largest Producer

Despite being the world’s largest producer of cassava, Nigeria surprisingly imported approximately $54,200 worth of the crop in 2022, positioning it as the 121st largest importer globally. This was highlighted at the Ist National Conference of the Industrial Cassava Stakeholders Association of Nigeria (ICSAN), held in Ikeja, Lagos, under the theme “The Golden Crop: Harnessing the Economic Potential of Cassava for National Development through Industrialization.”

During the conference, Prof. Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, President of the International Society for Tropical Root Crops and Executive Director at the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, delivered a compelling keynote address. He noted that Nigeria also exported $733,000 worth of cassava in the same year, ranking as the 61st largest exporter worldwide.

Following the opening remarks by ICSAN President Mr. Segun Ladele, Prof. Oladimeji shed light on the importance of the cassava industry to Nigeria’s economy. He defined industrialization as the “mass production of goods in a factory system,” emphasizing its role in fostering a conducive business environment, encouraging private sector leadership, and spurring innovation.

Notably, as of 2022, cassava ranked as the 1,063rd most imported product in Nigeria. Prof. Oladimeji revealed that the country primarily sourced its cassava imports from the United Kingdom ($49,200), Brazil ($2,680), Cameroon ($1,910), Niger ($321), and Belgium ($33).

Interestingly, he pointed out that Egypt is the only African nation among the top ten global cassava exporters, achieving an export value of $81.8 million despite accounting for less than 1% of the total production and export value in Africa.

Cassava’s potential extends beyond traditional products like garri, lafun, and fufu; it also plays a crucial role in the production of bread, cakes, candies, ice cream, beverages, fuel ethanol, animal feeds, furniture, paper, and wood. These diverse applications contribute to job creation, food security, and increased incomes for farmers.

However, the path forward is fraught with challenges. Prof. Oladimeji identified key obstacles such as inconsistent government policies, rising foreign exchange costs, farmland destruction by cattle herdsmen, insecurity, and limited access to credit and infrastructure.

To bolster the cassava industry, he proposed several strategic measures, including product differentiation, diversification, regional standards, quality control, and the establishment of viable regulatory systems. He emphasized the need for capacity building and improved marketing channels.

Crucially, he asserted that the government must act as a catalyst, enabler, and regulator of the cassava sector. “Key players must initiate and advocate for private-led actions that sustain the development of cassava-based industries,” he urged, calling for fair public incentives and funding within the country’s geopolitical zones.