Nigeria’s Biggest Agricultural Exports in Late 2024

Nigeria’s agricultural exports saw a major boost in 2024, closing the year with record-breaking numbers. The country exported agricultural goods worth N1.54 trillion in Q4 2024, marking a 232.02% increase from the same period in 2023.

With cocoa, sesame seeds, and cashew nuts leading the way, agriculture remained the third-largest export sector, behind crude oil and other oil-based products. Below are Nigeria’s top 10 agricultural exports in Q4 2024, ranked by value.

Superior Quality Cocoa Beans – Export Value: N836.23 billion

Cocoa remains Nigeria’s most valuable agricultural export, with superior-quality cocoa beans taking the top spot. These beans are in high demand due to their rich flavor, making them ideal for chocolate production. The major buyers include the Netherlands, Malaysia, Belgium, the U.S., and Indonesia. Cocoa-producing states such as Ondo, Cross River, and Ogun continue to dominate production.

Standard Quality Cocoa Beans – Export Value: N269.34 billion

Following closely behind is the standard quality cocoa bean. Though slightly less refined than the superior variant, it is still widely used in chocolate and confectionery industries. Netherlands, Belgium, Malaysia, Italy, and Indonesia are the biggest importers of this grade.

Natural Cocoa Butter – Export Value: N104.59 billion

Extracted from cocoa beans, cocoa butter is widely used in chocolate production, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Germany, Netherlands, Singapore, Estonia, and France are the main destinations for this high-value product.

Raw Cashew Nuts (In Shell) -MExport Value: N5.9 billion

Unprocessed cashew nuts remain a strong export product, especially for markets like Vietnam and India, where they undergo further processing before distribution.

Sesamum Seeds – Export Value: N202.94 billion

Sesame seeds have grown into a major export commodity, largely because of their use in oil production, tahini, and baked goods. Nigeria’s sesame farming thrives in Benue, Jigawa, and Nasarawa, with China, Japan, Turkey, India, and Greece leading as major buyers.

Crude Shea (Karite) Oil – Export Value: N24.2 billion

Shea oil, extracted from shea nuts, is a key ingredient in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food production. Nigeria’s shea industry is growing fast, with export destinations including Europe, the U.S., and Asia.

Cut Flowers and Flower Buds – Export Value: N14 billion

Nigeria’s flower industry, though small, is expanding as demand for fresh, dried, and dyed flowers grows globally. With improved investment in greenhouse farming, this sector has potential for future export growth.

Soya Bean Flour and Meals – Export Value: N12.326 billion

Soya bean flour is a crucial ingredient in food processing and animal feed production. With global demand increasing, Nigeria continues to benefit from exports in this category.

Frozen Shrimps and Prawns -Export Value: N23.5 billion

Nigeria’s rich coastal waters provide a steady supply of high-quality shrimp and prawns, which are shipped to markets in Asia and Europe. Lagos, Delta, and Rivers states are major production hubs.

Shelled Cashew Nuts – Export Value: N30.7 billion

Cashew farming is a major activity in Kogi, Oyo, and Enugu. Shelled cashew nuts, which are processed for export, are particularly in demand in Vietnam, Malaysia, the Netherlands, France, and Belgium.