The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has called on farmers in Adamawa State to embrace organic farming as a vital step towards unlocking international export opportunities and driving Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda. The call was made during a capacity-building workshop held in Jimeta, Yola, aimed at equipping local farmers with the knowledge and tools to meet global standards in organic agriculture.
The Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, emphasized that the global demand for certified organic products is growing rapidly, creating vast market opportunities for countries ready to position themselves as credible suppliers. She noted that the global organic food market, valued at over $97 billion, is projected to reach $437 billion by 2028, presenting Nigeria with a significant opportunity to earn foreign exchange through non-oil exports.
Ayeni explained that the workshop was organized to build the capacity of smallholder farmers, particularly in meeting the requirements for the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) certification—a vital standard that ensures compliance with international organic farming principles. According to her, the PGS model will help cooperative groups and rural farmers gain recognition in export markets without the high costs associated with third-party certification.
She added that the NEPC is taking a hands-on approach by not only offering training but also providing improved agricultural inputs to support production. In this regard, she announced the donation of 300 kilograms of improved SAMNUT 22 groundnut seeds to the Adamawa State chapter of the Groundnut Farmers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria. These seeds will be cultivated on an eight-hectare cluster model demonstration farm located in Malkoli, Yola South. The demonstration farm will serve as a learning hub for organic cultivation practices, and similar support will be extended to other commodity associations and farming clusters across the state.
Ayeni reiterated that the NEPC’s organic agriculture program is part of a broader national strategy to reduce over-reliance on oil and tap into more sustainable economic drivers. “Organic agriculture offers a path to premium markets, job creation, rural development, and environmental sustainability,” she said, urging farmers to see themselves as key players in a national movement to transform Nigeria’s agricultural export landscape.
She further called on both public and private sector actors to collaborate in strengthening Nigeria’s presence in the global organic market. According to her, with the right support and commitment, Nigerian farmers can achieve global competitiveness and become exporters of certified, high-quality organic products.
Speaking on behalf of the Adamawa State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Peter Irimiya welcomed the NEPC initiative and pledged the state government’s full support. He described the shift to organic farming as timely and necessary, especially in light of increasing global demand for healthier, chemical-free food. He personally committed to transitioning from inorganic to organic methods and called on all workshop participants to embrace the knowledge shared and replicate it within their local communities.
Irimiya encouraged the farmers to become “planners at the village level for export,” emphasizing that the success of the program in Adamawa could serve as a blueprint for other states. He stated that with the right mindset and cooperation, farmers could transform their communities and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s export performance.
The NEPC’s intervention is part of a series of nationwide initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigerian agriculture for export-led growth. By focusing on capacity building, certification, and improved inputs, the Council hopes to stimulate rural productivity and create pathways for Nigerian farmers to participate competitively in global trade.
This latest effort in Adamawa aligns with the Federal Government’s broader vision for sustainable national development through non-oil sectors, particularly agriculture, which remains one of Nigeria’s most promising areas for inclusive economictransformation.
