New Plan for Cassava Farmers Announced by Federal Government

The Nigerian federal government has stated its dedication to modernizing the cassava industry. Nigeria leads globally in cassava production,...

• The Nigerian federal government has stated its dedication to modernizing the cassava industry.
• Nigeria leads globally in cassava production, yet it mainly exports the crop in its unprocessed form.
• African leaders acknowledge the significant potential of cassava industrialization and emphasize the steps required to capitalize on it.

The central government has affirmed its dedication to advancing the industrial development of cassava into final products in Nigeria.

The Federal Government's Secretary (SGF), George Akume, stated that a strategy is being implemented to transform cassava into premium industrial and export goods, instead of exporting it in its raw form.

Nigeria stands as the top global producer of cassava and plays a significant role in exporting it to industrial centers across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Akume, who was represented by Okokon Okon Etoabasi at the 2nd African Cassava Conference 2025 in Abuja, stated that cassava will be a key factor in Nigeria's industrialization efforts under the current government.

He emphasized that the government intends to increase assistance for agribusiness and small farmers primarily involved in cassava cultivation, aimed at ensuring food security and promoting industrial development.

Akume stated that the government is planning to increase cassava processing into items like starch, ethanol, flour, and animal feed by promoting cassava-related industries.

He pointed out that Nigeria and Africa lose billions of dollars by exporting raw materials instead of finished products.

Additionally, a representative from Prof. Pierre Demien Habumuremyi, former Prime Minister of Rwanda and Continental Chair of the Pan-African Alliance of Small and Medium Industries (PAOSMI), addressed the event, cautioning that Africa's cassava industry will continue to lag without substantial investment in enhancing its value, unless manufacturing is given priority.

Habumuremyi encouraged African governments to transform cassava into industrial applications, where its true worth is found.

He said:

Cassava supports millions of families, although its complete potential is still largely unexplored. The industrial applications of cassava include the manufacturing of starch, ethanol, medicines, biodegradable products, and livestock feed, but our efforts in enhancing its value are still limited.

He mentioned that Africa encounters issues such as low efficiency, losses after harvest, restricted processing capabilities, and inadequate quality regulations.

Nigeria generates more than 62 million tons of cassava.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, stated in his speech that Nigeria generates over 62 million tonnes of cassava each year, positioning it as the top producer globally.

He mentioned that the crop already plays a role in manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, biofuel production, and exports.

Nevertheless, he contended that Nigeria's and Africa's role in the cassava value chain should extend beyond just raw materials, but also include technological advancements and precision farming.

highlighting that science and technology—like biotechnology, precision farming, and AI-based crop surveillance—are crucial for enhancing competitiveness throughout the cassava supply chain.

He stated, 'Tools like AI-driven crop monitoring, biotechnology, precision farming, and modern processing technologies are now crucial for global competitiveness.'

Cassava growers face losses because of an oversupply in the market

Articlepedia Today.ngIt was reported recently that cassava growers experienced significant losses because of an oversupply in the market.

The surplus was said to result from extremely low demand, compelling farmers to sell at prices below their market value.

Stakeholders mentioned that buyers had shifted towards more affordable imported options such as corn starch, which was exempt from duties.