Nigeria’s cashew industry is positioning to inject N7.2 trillion into the national economy through an ambitious expansion program led by the National Cashew Association of Nigeria, targeting production capacity of two million metric tons by 2030.
The comprehensive initiative centers on distributing one million high-yield cashew seedlings to farmers nationwide, with the potential to transform Nigeria from its current production levels to global leadership in cashew output. This agricultural transformation strategy addresses both unemployment challenges and export revenue generation.
Ojo Ajanaku, National President of NCAN, revealed that the association has already delivered over 120,000 seedlings to four states—Kogi, Benue, Edo, and Enugu—despite limited financial support. The program received significant momentum from Beyond Farming Collective, which supported the production of 45,000 seedlings.
“Our focus is to boost Nigeria’s raw cashew nut production to two million metric tons annually by 2029 or 2030,” Ajanaku stated. “Though we might not hit that number before I leave office, I am determined to lay the foundation that guarantees such yields in subsequent harvests.”
The economic implications of this expansion are substantial. Abu Mohammed Kabir, NCAN’s financial secretary overseeing nursery propagation, emphasized the transformative potential of the improved Ogbomosho variety being distributed across the country.
“If a tree produces 100kg and we plant one million seedlings, that’s 100 million kilogrammes—a massive tonnage,” Kabir explained. “This initiative will generate more money for the Federal Government and create both direct and indirect jobs.”
Nigeria currently produces approximately 580,000 metric tons of cashew annually, contributing an estimated N3.7 billion to the economy. The expansion to one million tons would represent a potential N7.2 trillion contribution to Nigeria’s economic output, creating extensive employment opportunities across value chains.
Bridget Yough, a Benue-based cashew farmer, emphasized the industry’s unemployment reduction potential. “Cashew alone can give you employment and boost the economy. Once you have plantations, you can lift young people who are not employed,” she noted.
The program faces funding challenges, with support from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture yet to materialize due to budget constraints. NCAN continues pursuing alternative funding channels while advocating for inclusion in future federal budgets.
The association is standardizing production through the Ogbomosho variety, known for superior aroma, nut count, and peel-ability. This standardization strategy aims to improve Nigeria’s global competitiveness and prevent market practices where lower-grade cashews are blended with premium varieties.
Nigeria previously led global cashew production with 700,000 metric tons in 2008 but currently produces an estimated 350,000 to 380,000 metric tons annually. The expansion initiative represents a strategic effort to reclaim this leadership position while generating substantial economic benefits.
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