Nigeria Launches Maiden Cloves Farming Initiative to Boost Economy
The Cloves Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria has announced the start of the country’s first cloves farming initiative, set to commence in the 2026 wet season. According to Abdullahi Shuaibu, National Coordinator of the association, the program will involve at least 2,000 farmers from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, totaling over 74,000 farmers nationwide.
Cloves, a tropical plant that can thrive in many parts of Nigeria, are in high demand domestically and internationally, particularly from food and pharmaceutical companies. The initiative aims to tap into this demand, with each participating farmer receiving quality seeds and essential farming inputs to cultivate half a hectare of clove farm. This move is expected to make Nigeria the second African country, after Zanzibar, Tanzania, to produce cloves commercially, potentially boosting foreign exchange earnings and creating jobs for youth.
Maijidda Abdulkadir, State Treasurer of the association’s Kaduna chapter, emphasized that the program aims to reduce poverty, create jobs, and empower women farmers. The association has secured improved clove seeds from Tanzania and is urging state governments to support the initiative. Aminu-Yahaya Masanawa, a Financial Adviser to the association, noted that cloves production is more profitable than grains and many other vegetable crops, and can serve as a cushion against recent losses suffered by farmers due to price crashes.
The program has received support from the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, which has unveiled a comprehensive training manual on clove cultivation. The guide provides step-by-step instructions for farmers, extension agents, and agripreneurs, covering cultivation practices, market analysis, and international best practices. Prof. Mukhtar Abdullah of the institute highlighted the broader benefits of the program, including rural economic empowerment, food security, and sustainable income generation for youth and women.
Once production begins, Nigeria is expected to move from being a net importer of cloves to a potential exporter, bringing in additional foreign exchange revenue. The initiative has the potential to be a game-changer for the country’s economy, and its success will be closely watched in the coming months. With the support of stakeholders and the government, Nigeria’s cloves farming initiative is poised to make a significant impact on the country’s agricultural sector and economy.
