What is Nigeria's potential in horticultural exports?

Nigeria has significant potential in horticultural exports, largely due to its vast arable land. While the country exported fruits and vegetables worth $191 million in 2021, this is just a fraction of what could be achieved. With better organization and the removal of existing bottlenecks, the horticultural export sector could exceed $500 million by 2030. This is the target that organizations in the sector are working towards, aiming to enhance local production and improve international competitiveness.

How is horticultural export contributing to Nigeria's GDP?

Horticultural exports are becoming increasingly important to Nigeria's economy, especially in terms of foreign exchange. Nigeria’s agricultural products are highly competitive globally, and there is a growing market for fruits, vegetables, and flowers in Europe and the Middle East. In 2021, the value of vegetable exports was $191 million, and this figure continues to grow year on year as more exporters enter the market, further strengthening the sector’s contribution to the GDP.

How do exporters handle post-harvest losses?

Post-harvest losses are a significant issue in Nigeria, with over 50% of fruits and vegetables lost between the farm gate and market. However, there is progress, with over a thousand mobile cooling trucks now available in the country. The logistics for exporting are typically managed by mid-to-large-scale farms that have the necessary cold chain infrastructure, which helps preserve the quality of produce during transport. Despite this, challenges remain at the airport, where cold chain systems can be inconsistent, affecting the quality of exports arriving in international markets.

Is there training for farmers to prevent product rejection?

Yes, ongoing training programs are in place to help farmers handle products appropriately and meet export standards. These programs often target enterprise farmers, who then pass on the knowledge to smaller farmers and cooperatives. Additionally, certification programs, such as Global GAP, are provided to help farmers meet the requirements of international markets like Europe.

What are the main challenges facing horticultural exports?

The biggest challenge facing horticultural exports is the bureaucratic inefficiencies and policy bottlenecks. While private sector exporters are improving in terms of product quality, certification, and infrastructure, manual, outdated export processes remain. Exporters often face exploitation due to a lack of awareness about the correct procedures. This situation is frustrating, especially considering Nigeria's need for foreign exchange.

What can the government do to ease the export process?

To improve horticultural exports, the government needs to open more supportive channels and reduce the regulatory burdens that hinder exporters. For instance, agencies like the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) could focus on enforcement while private organizations could handle certifications. Additionally, simplifying the export process, introducing flat fees for freight, and improving the digitalization of export procedures would increase confidence and efficiency in the sector.