Ginger: support for producers in Nigeria
October 15, 2025 at 12:33 PM ,
Der AUDITOR
Help for growers
Nigeria is the world's second-largest ginger producer, yet it does not even rank among the top 10 exporters. There is one exception, however: the African country is a major player in the market for processed ginger products. In 2023, for example, Nigerian market players generated USD 29.6 million and held a 22% share of global trade, according to Africa 24.
However, market experts point out that although there is high global demand for ginger from Nigeria, there are a number of structural hurdles to overcome that often make trade difficult. For example, stronger measures must be taken against the outbreak of plant diseases, better infrastructure is needed for transport to ports, and farmers want more security. "Our ginger is one of the best in the world. Demand for it is high, but farmers lack the expertise in managing losses and preparing for export. The government must address these issues, and also tackle insecurity, to encourage more people to cultivate, for local consumption and for export", Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute is quoted by Africa 24 and FreshPlaza. Following the fungal infestation that severely affected production in 2023, the Nigerian government has already provided over USD 1 million in support to farmers. The National Ginger Association of Nigeria also supports farmers in terms of cultivation methods and disease prevention.
Value chain to be strengthened
However, help is not only coming from within the country. Japanese investors are reportedly planning to invest around USD 250 million in the ginger sector to expand production and exports in Nigeria, Tanzania and Madagascar. According to Business Day, Germany also has plans. The German and Nigerian governments, together with the EU, have launched the Agriculture Value Chain Facility (EU-VACE) project “Transformative Agricultural Systems for Rural Economic Development” (TARED). The EUR 18.3 million initiative focuses on the value chains for tomatoes and ginger in Nigeria. The programme is being implemented by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) in collaboration with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, according to Business Day. The project will run from October 2024 to September 2028 in the states of Cross River, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Ondo, Oyo and Plateau.
The aim of the initiative is to create 10,000 new jobs and strengthen cooperation with women and young people. The main focus is on communicating the principles of the value chain and reducing post-harvest losses by 15%. In addition, at least 25 investment proposals are to be developed to counteract the effects of climate change.
China is the most important supplier for the EU
EU ginger imports rose by almost 8% in the period from 1 January to 12 October 2025 compared to last year. Nigeria currently ranks only fourth, as 385 mt of ginger were delivered to EU countries, almost 72% less than in the previous year. By far the most important supplier is China, which increased its shipments by a whopping 58.2%, followed by India (-25.2% to 615 mt) and Vietnam (+42.9% to 510 mt).
In total, the EU imported 6,561 mt of ginger during the mentioned period. The most important buyers were the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium, followed by Spain and France. The average import price was EUR 3.16/kg, 16.6% higher than last year's price, resulting in a 26% increase in the total import value to just over EUR 20.7 million.
|
EU ginger imports, in mt |
|||
|
Partner |
2024 |
2025 |
Diff. |
|
China |
2,638 |
4,173 |
58.2% |
|
India |
822 |
615 |
-25.2% |
|
Vietnam |
357 |
510 |
42.9% |
|
Nigeria |
1,361 |
385 |
-71.7% |
|
Côte d'Ivoire |
235 |
275 |
17.0% |
|
Peru |
212 |
179 |
-15.6% |
|
UK |
157 |
138 |
-12.1% |
|
Indonesia |
65 |
84 |
29.2% |
|
Brazil |
20 |
39 |
95.0% |
|
Madagascar |
34 |
21 |
-38.2% |
|
Others |
178 |
142 |
-20.2% |
|
Total |
6,079 |
6,561 |
7.9% |
|
DG AGRI TAXUD Customs Surveillance System, 01/01-12/10 09101200 Ginger, crushed or ground |
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