If there’s one thing Nigeria has in abundance, it’s agricultural potential. With over 70 million hectares of arable land and a vibrant farming population, Nigeria is sitting on a goldmine of exportable agro-products.
Yet, many local producers and investors still overlook these opportunities — leaving billions of naira on the table every year.
If you’ve been searching for profitable export products in Nigeria, this guide highlights 10 high-demand agro-allied commodities that global buyers — from Europe to Asia — are actively sourcing in 2025.
1. Ginger
Nigeria is one of the world’s top producers of ginger, and Kaduna State leads the pack. European and Asian buyers use ginger for food processing, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
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Top destinations: UK, Germany, India, UAE
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Export price range: $2,000–$3,500 per metric ton (depending on quality and dryness)
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Certification needed: Phytosanitary Certificate, NAFDAC for processed ginger
Pro Tip: Dried, sliced ginger commands higher prices abroad than raw forms.
2. Sesame Seed
This is Nigeria’s silent billion-dollar export. Demand from Turkey, Japan, and China continues to surge. NEPC ranks sesame among Nigeria’s top three non-oil export earners.
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Top destinations: Japan, Turkey, China, Netherlands
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Export price range: $1,500–$2,300 per metric ton
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Regulatory tip: Must meet EU pesticide residue standards
Pro Tip: Clean, uniform, well-dried sesame with low moisture (below 2%) attracts premium buyers.
3. Cashew Nuts
Cashew is one of the easiest entry points for new exporters. Nigeria exports both raw cashew nuts and processed kernels.
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Top destinations: Vietnam, India, UAE, and the Netherlands
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Export price range: $1,200–$1,800 per metric ton
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Key agencies: Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS)
Pro Tip: Processing before export (roasting and packaging) can raise profit margins by over 40%.
4. Dried Hibiscus Flower (Zobo)
This is one of Nigeria’s most sought-after agro exports — used in tea, beverages, and natural coloring. Sudan and Nigeria dominate global supply.
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Top destinations: Germany, Mexico, USA, Poland
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Export price range: $1,400–$1,800 per metric ton
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Key requirement: Clean drying and zero mold contamination
Pro Tip: Always sun-dry on tarpaulins, not bare ground, to maintain EU hygiene standards.
5. Shea Butter
Known as “women’s gold,” shea butter is in high demand in the cosmetic and skincare industry globally. Nigerian shea butter is rich and creamy, especially from Niger and Kwara States.
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Top destinations: France, USA, Japan, Canada
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Export price range: $2,500–$4,000 per metric ton
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Certifications: NAFDAC, SON, and in some markets, Fairtrade or Organic Certification
Pro Tip: Filtered and packaged shea butter fetches twice the price of unrefined bulk butter.
6. Cocoa Beans
Nigeria’s cocoa is world-class and remains one of the country’s leading exports, especially from Ondo, Cross River, and Ekiti States.
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Top destinations: Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, USA
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Export price range: $2,400–$3,200 per metric ton
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Requirement: Must meet Cocoa Industry Quality Control standards (Federal Produce Inspection Service)
Pro Tip: Always bag cocoa in jute sacks and store in dry conditions to avoid mold.
7. Palm Kernel Oil
The global cosmetics, biofuel, and soap industries rely heavily on palm kernel oil (PKO). Nigeria’s supply capacity is strong, especially from Edo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.
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Top destinations: Malaysia, India, Spain, USA
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Export price range: $1,000–$1,600 per metric ton
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Requirement: NAFDAC approval for processed oil; moisture content below 0.2%
Pro Tip: Export refined or cold-pressed PKO for higher profits and better buyer interest.
8. Soybeans
Soybeans are used globally in animal feed, oil production, and food processing. Nigerian soybeans are especially in demand due to their non-GMO status.
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Top destinations: China, Japan, Netherlands
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Export price range: $600–$850 per metric ton
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Key compliance: Phytosanitary Certificate, SONCAP
Pro Tip: Ensure beans are properly cleaned and packaged in 50kg polypropylene bags.
9. Charcoal (Agro By-Product)
Charcoal exports are booming — particularly hardwood charcoal from Nigeria’s savannah regions. It’s used in barbecue, heating, and industrial applications.
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Top destinations: Germany, Greece, Italy, Israel
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Export price range: $500–$1,200 per metric ton
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Key document: Federal Forestry Permit, NXP Form
Pro Tip: European buyers prefer charcoal packed in branded 10kg or 20kg bags.
10. Garri, Yam Flour & Processed Nigerian Foods
The growing Nigerian and African diaspora across Europe and North America keeps the demand for traditional foods like garri, yam flour, egusi, ogbono, and suya spice alive.
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Top destinations: UK, Canada, USA, Netherlands
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Regulatory bodies: NAFDAC (Nigeria) and FDA (for the US)
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Export tip: Invest in modern packaging and labeling that appeals to global supermarkets.
Pro Tip: Create export-standard branding with clear labeling — “Product of Nigeria” sells authenticity abroad.
Getting Started: What You’ll Need
Before exporting any agro product, ensure you:
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Register with NEPC as an exporter
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Obtain necessary certifications (NAFDAC, SON, Quarantine Service)
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Secure an NXP Form through your bank
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Engage a licensed freight forwarder to handle customs clearance
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Vet your international buyers to avoid scams
Exporting agro-allied products is not a “quick cash” scheme — it’s a structured business that rewards consistency and quality.
Final Thoughts
Nigeria’s agro-export potential is unmatched, and 2025 is shaping up to be the year global demand skyrockets for African-sourced, organic, and natural products.
Whether you’re a farmer, investor, or entrepreneur, the market is wide open — and the profits are real.
All you need is the right guidance, quality assurance, and access to verified buyers — and that’s where professional export consultants make all the difference.
Let’s help you find verified international buyers for your export-ready goods.
📞 Contact us today on WhatsApp: 08093865510 or email info@oakistrend.com to begin your export journey.