Nigeria has commenced a nationwide initiative to enter large-scale commercial cloves production, with over 74,000 farmers set to participate across the country, marking a significant step in agricultural diversification and non-oil export development.
The initiative, launched by the Cloves Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (CPPMAN), is scheduled to take off during the 2026 wet farming season. It is designed to position Nigeria as Africa’s second commercial producer of cloves, after Tanzania’s Zanzibar, which currently dominates the continent’s cloves market.
Under the programme, approximately 2,000 farmers will be drawn from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Participating farmers will receive improved clove seedlings, technical guidance, and other essential agricultural inputs to cultivate cloves on about half a hectare of land per farmer.
The scheme was unveiled at a stakeholders’ workshop held at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where agricultural experts introduced a comprehensive training manual to support farmers with best practices in cultivation, processing, and marketing along the cloves value chain.
According to organisers, the large-scale cloves production drive aims to create employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women, boost rural economic activities, and increase Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings through exports. Cloves are in high demand globally, with wide applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.
Stakeholders believe that with sustained support, proper training, and market access, the initiative will strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector and establish the country as a key player in Africa’s spice production market. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.