Stakeholders mark World Cassava Day, lamenting continued import of starches despite Nigeria’s position as world leader in cassava production

Farmers and agro-industry stakeholders in Ogun State have called on the federal government to prioritise investments in cassava processing, warning that Nigeria’s status as the world’s largest cassava producer has not translated into industrial or economic benefit. The appeal came on Thursday during events marking World Cassava Day 2026 across the South-West region.

Despite Nigeria harvesting millions of tonnes of cassava annually, processors and manufacturers say the country still imports a significant amount of starches, sweeteners and industrial derivatives. Participants at the event noted that this contradiction highlights a failure to convert agricultural abundance into real industrial growth.

Industry experts pointed to Thailand as an example of how targeted investment in processing and product development can transform a commodity into valuable exports and industrial inputs. “Thailand did not simply produce more cassava; they built robust industries around it through processing and export market development,” said Samuel Oladele, a leading agro-processor based in Abeokuta. “Nigeria must learn from this if we want real value.”

For many rural communities in Ogun and other states, cassava remains a pillar for food security and livelihoods. However, farmers lamented that limited access to local processing plants means most produce is sold raw at low prices, while manufacturers rely on imported inputs. The National Cassava Growers Association called for public-private partnerships to establish modern factories across producing states.

The Ministry of Agriculture said it is reviewing policies to encourage more investment in agro-processing, promising new incentives for domestic producers by year end. However, some stakeholders argue that similar promises have been made before without significant results. “We are watching closely – what matters now is implementation,” said Oluwafemi Ajayi, a farmers’ cooperative leader from Ifo Local Government Area.

Analysts say unlocking Nigeria’s cassava potential will require coordinated action: better infrastructure, access to finance for processors, and strict enforcement of local content policies. Without an industrial leap, they warn, Nigeria risks remaining an exporter of raw commodities rather than a driver of value-added growth.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/agro-care/why-nigerias-cassava-boom-needs-industrial-leap/