In a significant boost to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector, the nation’s earnings from cashew nuts have surged by an astonishing eleven-fold, a growth largely attributed to a period of exceptionally favourable weather conditions. This dramatic increase signals a promising revival for an agricultural segment with immense potential for the Nigerian economy.
According to recent data from the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), export revenue jumped from a modest $25 million in the previous season to over $275 million in the latest cycle as of today, 10th of October 2025.
Industry leaders have confirmed that optimal rainfall patterns and the absence of the prolonged droughts that have plagued recent seasons were the primary catalysts. This ideal weather led to a bumper harvest characterized by both higher quantity and superior quality of kernels, making Nigerian cashews more competitive on the global market.
“The transformation has been remarkable,” stated Mr. Ojo Ajanaku, President of NCAN. “For years, unpredictable weather was our biggest adversary. This season, however, the conditions were perfect—consistent sunshine and well-timed rains resulted in a larger nut size and better yield, which international buyers are willing to pay a premium for.”
The cashew boom is providing a much-needed economic lifeline to rural communities in states like Kogi, Enugu, and Oyo, where the crop is predominantly cultivated. Farmers report a dramatic increase in their incomes, allowing for reinvestment in their farms and an improved standard of living. The surge has also created a ripple effect, generating more employment opportunities in harvesting, processing, and transportation logistics.
Also see: Yakubu Concludes Tenure, Agbamuche-Mbu Takes Over as INEC Acting Chairman
Despite this stellar performance, the industry faces persistent challenges. A significant portion of the crop is still exported raw due to a lack of sufficient local processing capacity, which means Nigeria misses out on the even higher value-added that comes from shelling, peeling, and packaging the nuts domestically. Stakeholders are now calling for increased investment in processing facilities to capture more of the global supply chain’s value.
With climate change posing a constant threat, experts are urging farmers and the government to adopt more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices to safeguard future harvests. Nevertheless, this eleven-fold earnings leap demonstrates that with the right conditions and support, Nigerian cashew can become a cornerstone of the nation’s agricultural export strategy, further diversifying the economy away from its reliance on oil.
