Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has abandoned the state’s intention to export maize to Botswana, following recent feasibility studies that suggest a more lucrative path through cassava production.
The decision marks a strategic shift in the state’s agricultural export policy. According to the state government, the pivot comes after technical assessments identified significantly stronger prospects for the cassava value chain compared to the previously proposed maize export scheme.
Oyo State, which serves as a critical agricultural hub in Nigeria, had been exploring various avenues to increase its non-oil revenue. The plan to export maize to Botswana was part of an earlier effort to tap into regional food security needs, but the new data has prompted a reconsideration of priorities.
Economic pivot towards cassava value chains
The shift in focus towards cassava is expected to influence state-led agricultural interventions and support systems for local farmers. Unlike maize, which is often subject to high price volatility and seasonal fluctuations, cassava offers diverse industrial applications including starch, ethanol, and flour production, which can provide more stable long-term export value.
Industry analysts note that while maize remains a staple, the global and regional demand for processed cassava derivatives is rising. By prioritising cassava, the Makinde administration aims to capture more value within the local processing sector before exporting finished or semi-finished products, rather than relying on raw grain exports.
This move aligns with the broader economic objectives of the Oyo State government to strengthen the state’s agribusiness sector and create jobs through agro-industrialisation. The state has previously invested in various agricultural initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and improving market access for smallholder farmers.
The transition will likely require the government to recalibrate its logistics and support frameworks to accommodate the specific needs of cassava growers and processors. This includes potential investment in processing facilities and improved storage solutions to minimise post-harvest losses, which are often higher with root crops than with grains.
Stakeholders in the maize sector are expected to monitor how this policy shift affects local supply chains and market prices within the state. The government is expected to provide further details on the specific export markets identified for cassava and the timeline for the implementation of the revised agricultural strategy.
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