Nigeria is the second largest producer of ginger in the world.But it’s yet to convert this position into export profits.Local and international players have been teaming up to change that, including Japanese investors, who are set to inject about $250 million into the sector.
The world’s second-largest producer of ginger, Nigeria accounted for 16% of global production in 2023, yet the country barely enters the top 10 exporters list, capturing less than 3% of global export revenues. Nigeria has become the leading global exporter in the smaller but higher value market for processed ginger , earning $29.6m in 2023 and accounting for 22% of worldwide trade.Now, Japanese investment who will inject about $250 million into the sector will help scale up ginger production and exports from Nigeria, and other countries like Tanzania and Madagascar. But industry experts say the government must ensure measures are in place to prevent further disease outbreaks, and provide safety for farmers, and improved infrastructure for easy export transport to ports.
Our ginger is one of the best in the world. Demand for it is high, but farmers lack the expertise in managing losses, and preparing for export. The government must address these issues, and also tackle insecurity, so as to encourage more people to cultivate, for local consumption and for export.
JOSEPH DION NGUTE, Prime Minister
To fill in the gap, the Nigerian government has released over 1 million dollars to farmers to cushion the devastating impact of the 2023 fungal outbreak. It also says it’s putting together a disease control mechanism to encourage ginger cultivation.
I’ve been in this business for over 15 years…as a country, we are not making the best out of ginger. There are challenges of insecurity, farmers cultivating and not being able to harvest. Then transportation challenges due to bad roads, and more recently, a fungal disease that affected farms, especially in Kaduna state.
MOHAMMADU SANI, Ginger Trader
National Ginger Association of Nigeria is in partnership with global firm Dimitra International, which will introduce about 6,000 ginger farmers to improved farming methods and disease prevention measures. With this, Ginger traders here hope it will help spice up the market.
