Amid growing expectations from the Non– oil exports, the Nigeria Export Promotion Council ( NEPC) has disclosed that the nation’s cashew nut export surged to a value of $398.135 million in first half of 2025 representing an 81.15 percent increase compared to $219.780 million in the first half of 2024
It said that cashew nuts presently ranked 4th among 243 distinct products exported from Nigeria , underscoring it’s critical role in the nation’s non oil exports landscape
The NEPC Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer( CEO) Nonye Ayeni gave the revelation in a keynote address to the official Launch of the Cashew processors Directory in Abuja
Ayeni further stated: “As of mid-2025, cashew nuts have become Nigeria’s number three leading export product, out of 234 products recorded so far, simultaneously, cashew kernels have also demonstrated robust performance ranking 18th in 2024 and rising to 14th in the first half of 2025.
“Export values for kernels grew by 40.29 percent, reaching $26.851 million for half year 2025, a testament to the growing demand for value-added cashew products.
“Up Notably, Nigeria currently ranks 4th globally in cashew nut production, reflecting the immense capacity we hold as a nation to lead in this dynamic industry, these figures are not just statistics they are a powerful signal that the time to invest, innovate, and scale the cashew value chain is now.’’
She explained that over the last decade, the global cashew industry has witnessed robust growth, fueled by rising demand for cashew nuts and kernels in health-conscious markets across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Nigeria, blessed with vast arable land and enterprising farmers, is well-positioned to become a dominant player in this dynamic global value chain yet, we have only scratched the surface.
“The opportunities are vast:A surge in global demand for cashew products;Increasing awareness of cashews as a nutritious, value-packed food; Strong potential for local value addition and industrial processing, and the empowerment of smallholder farmers through improved livelihoods.
The NEPC boss however, warned: “We must also contend with pressing challenges: volatile global prices, the growing impact of climate change, quality control issues, and limited access to finance and structured markets especially for our smallholder farmers.
She stressed that these barriers require not just acknowledgement but deliberate, targeted action, adding; “At NEPC, we are committed to turning these challenges into catalysts for innovation, we recognize that real progress demands more than aspiration. It demands collaboration, investment, and strategic planning, it demands that we strengthen our institutional frameworks, support agribusinesses with policy and technical expertise, and ensure our farmers and processors have the tools to thrive competitively and sustainably.
“That is why today’s launch of the Cashew Processors Directory produced in collaboration with our esteemed partners at GIZ is both timely and transformational, this directory is not merely a document; it is a comprehensive industry compass, it offers valuable insights into market trends, production hubs, and key players within Nigeria’s cashew ecosystem,” she added.
She expressed deep appreciation to GIZ for their unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil sectors.
“Through consistent technical support and capacity building, GIZ has been an indispensable partner in catalysing systemic change within the cashew industry, as we officially unveil this directory, I urge all stakeholders, farmers, processors, exporters, investors, and policymakers alike to make full use of this resource.
“Let it inform your strategies, sharpen your decisions, and inspire new levels of collaboration, together, we must embrace this opportunity to position Nigeria not just as a raw cashew exporter, but as a leading hub for premium, value-added cashew products globally,”
