Nigeria is a significant player in the global sesame market, particularly as an exporter. In 2023, Nigeria being the second-largest exporter in Africa and the fourth-largest globally, with a value of $459.4 million, according to Tridge. The country’s exports are a key contributor to the non-oil sector, with a substantial portion going to Japan, China, and other Asian markets.
This growth is attributed to a 2% expansion in cultivated land, favorable weather conditions, and a 40% price surge, incentivizing smallholder farmers, who dominate over 90% of production. Nigeria’s sesame sector is export-oriented, with about 80–90% of output shipped to international markets, primarily China, Japan, and Turkey, generating significant foreign exchange (e.g., N89 billion in 2018)
Nigeria is a significant player in the global sesame market, being the second-largest exporter in Africa and the fourth-largest globally. Sesame is a crucial non-oil export for the country, contributing substantially to agricultural GDP and overall economic growth.
Here’s a breakdown of sesame production and market in Nigeria:
Sesame Production in Nigeria
- Major Growing Regions: Sesame is widely grown as a cash crop in the savanna agro-ecological zones, particularly in the central and northern parts of the country. Key producing states include:
- Jigawa
- Niger
- Nasarawa
- Benue
- Taraba
- Kano
- Gombe
- Kogi
- Plateau
- Sokoto
- Borno
- Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
- It can also be successfully grown in some parts of the South East and South South, such as Ebonyi and northern Cross River States.
- Types of Sesame:
- White (Food Grade) Sesame: Generally used in the bakery industry and grown around Keffi, Lafia/Makurdi, Doma, and in Nasarawa, Taraba, and Benue States.
- Brown/Mixed (Oil Grade) Sesame: Primarily used for oil production and grown in the North, in Kano and Jigawa States (around Hadejia), and somewhat in the Southern part of Katsina State.
- Production Statistics:
- Nigeria produced 509,712 metric tons of sesame seeds in 2022, making it the fourth-largest producer globally (FAO).
- There has been remarkable growth in sesame production since 1960 due to increasing domestic and international demand.
- Approximately 90% of the sesame produced in Nigeria is exported.
- Challenges in Production:
- Low Yield per Hectare: Average output in Nigeria is around 275 kg per hectare, significantly lower than other major producers (e.g., Saudi Arabia at 1,083 kg/ha, Venezuela at 1,960 kg/ha, China at 1.4-1.6 tons/ha). This is attributed to:
- Lack of adherence to best farm practices.
- Knowledge gaps and poor crop management by smallholder farmers.
- Poor processing procedures.
- Inadequate Finance: Farmers often face limited access to credit and advanced farming tools.
- Pests and Diseases: Prevalent pest and disease issues, sometimes exacerbated by a lack of proper knowledge and agro-chemicals.
- Poor Agricultural Extension Services: Limited access to updated methods and information for farmers.
- Theft: A significant concern for sesame farmers.
- Inadequate Storage Facilities: Leads to post-harvest losses and limits Nigeria’s ability to capitalize on the crop’s long shelf life.
- Quality Inconsistencies: Aggregating harvests from various smallholder farmers can lead to varying qualities, resulting in rejections in the export market.
- Climate Change Impact: Affects agricultural productivity.
- Low Yield per Hectare: Average output in Nigeria is around 275 kg per hectare, significantly lower than other major producers (e.g., Saudi Arabia at 1,083 kg/ha, Venezuela at 1,960 kg/ha, China at 1.4-1.6 tons/ha). This is attributed to:
Sesame Market in Nigeria
- Export-Driven Market: The Nigerian sesame market is primarily export-driven, with Europe, Asia, and the Middle East as key destinations.
- Major Export Destinations: China, Japan, and Turkey are primary markets. Japan alone accounts for about 40% of Nigeria’s sesame exports.
- Export Value:
- Sesame seeds led Nigeria’s agricultural exports in Q1 2024, valued at ₦247.75 billion (US$161M), marking a 99% increase from Q4 2023.
- Exports surged from ₦73.8 billion in 2014 to ₦1 trillion in 2024.
- In 2023, Nigeria exported sesame seeds worth $463.827 million.
- Market Trends:
- Rising Global Demand: The global demand for sesame is expected to continue growing due to increasing preference for organic foods and its health benefits.
- Price Volatility: Export prices have fluctuated, reflecting ongoing market instability.
- Focus on Quality and Compliance: There’s a strong emphasis on enhancing export quality and reducing rejection rates, especially concerning pesticide residue levels and sanitary and phytosanitary standards, particularly for markets like Japan.
- Value Addition: Stakeholders are pushing for processing sesame seeds into higher-value by-products like butter and oil to unlock more revenue and create jobs, as exporting raw seeds leaves significant potential revenue untapped.
- Traceability: Becoming increasingly important, especially in demanding markets.
- Market Challenges:
- Quality Inconsistencies: As mentioned under production, this is a significant barrier to meeting international standards.
- Limited Processing Plants: Only a few functional processing plants exist, hindering the production of high-quality seeds for export.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: Affects transportation, storage, and overall logistics.
- Trade Barriers: Stringent import regulations in major importing countries.
- Fluctuating Global Prices: Impacts profitability for farmers and exporters.
- Limited Access to Structured Markets: Many producers struggle to connect directly with international buyers.
The Nigerian government and various organizations are working to address these challenges through initiatives aimed at improving quality, providing training, streamlining regulatory processes, and enhancing infrastructure to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global sesame market.