Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings, recently exceeding $2.7 billion, could see a major boost if the country fully leverages its sunflower seed value chain, experts say. While South Africa produces over 700,000 tons annually, Nigeria currently produces less than 300,000 tons.

According to Ofon Udofia, Executive Secretary of the Institute of Export Operations & Management (IEOM), sunflower seeds have dual international demand—both as food and industrial commodities, including pharmaceuticals and vegetable oil. Experts estimate that Nigeria could earn $1.5 billion from seeds alone and up to $3.5 billion from the entire value chain.

Jibrin Bukar, National President of the National Sunflower Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NSUNGPMAN), emphasized the need for private investment, farmer incentives, and improved processing facilities. He highlighted the crop’s diverse applications, from edible oil to cosmetics and medicinal uses, noting its potential to improve both health and foreign exchange earnings.

Adetiloye Aiyeola, CEO of the Produce Export Development Alliance (PEDA), stressed that unlocking the sector’s potential depends on addressing supply chain, quality, and certification issues to meet international standards. Dr. Ezra Yakusak of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council affirmed NEPC’s commitment to developing the sunflower value chain for global competitiveness.

The opportunity is timely, given geopolitical disruptions in global supply from Ukraine and Russia and growing demand for healthier oils worldwide. Experts agree that scaling production and achieving international certification are critical to transforming Nigeria into a major sunflower exporter.