Nigeria’s cashew industry seeks inclusive roadmap to unlock value-addition, exports

The Nigeria Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the long-awaited Cashew Roadmap serves as a robust framework for industrialization, value addition, and export competitiveness, emphasizing the need for a transparent and inclusive review process.

In a statement released on Thursday, the association noted that the Roadmap which is expected to guide the future of Nigeria’s fast-growing cashew industry, should undergo a Technical Working Group (TWG) review jointly coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), and NCAN.

According to the association, the TWG review is necessary to align the Roadmap with Nigeria’s broader economic priorities, including agro-industrialization, job creation, and increasing non-oil export earnings.

“Cashew has the potential to become a billion-dollar industry for Nigeria if the right policies are put in place. The review process is not about delays but about ensuring that the final Roadmap is credible, sustainable, and reflective of all stakeholders across the value chain,” NCAN stated.

A key issue highlighted by NCAN is the need for the Roadmap to adequately capture the perspectives of farmers and indigenous processors, who remain at the heart of the sector. The association stressed that while some consultations were held, they did not fully address the challenges facing local producers.

NCAN further clarified that the Roadmap does not introduce genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the cashew value chain, but rather supports the distribution of improved hybrid seedlings developed by Nigerian research institutions.

These seedlings according to NCAN are expected to boost yield, quality, and resilience, giving local farmers a stronger footing in the global market.

Nigeria is currently one of the world’s largest producers of raw cashew nuts, but the majority of its output is exported without processing, limiting the sector’s economic impact.

NCAN believes the Roadmap, once finalized, could help reverse this trend by encouraging local processing and value addition, creating jobs, and positioning Nigeria as a global cashew processing hub.

“The Roadmap must prioritize industrialization. Exporting raw nuts deprives Nigeria of significant revenue and employment opportunities. A clear strategy on local processing, quality standards, and export competitiveness will change the fortunes of the industry,” the association emphasized.

Analysts say a transparent and widely accepted Cashew Roadmap could attract fresh investment into the sector, particularly in processing facilities and export infrastructure. NCAN maintains that the TWG review process is central to strengthening confidence among both local and international investors.

As the apex body for the cashew sector, NCAN pledged to continue working with government and partners to deliver a roadmap that positions Nigeria as a top player in the global cashew market.

“The future of the cashew industry is not just about farmers or exporters; it is about building an integrated value chain that supports industrialization and wealth creation. Nigeria cannot afford to miss this opportunity,” the statement added.

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