Business

Nigeria’s ₦33bn Fruit Import Bill Exposes Missed Opportunities in Jos

“In North Central Plateau State, apples grow very well. Unfortunately, …, the government, especially the state government, has not been serious about mobilising farmers, training them, giving them improved varieties and the right inputs.”

Published

3 weeks ago

October 12, 2026

OCHEFA

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Data from the foreign trade statistics compiled by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that Nigeria imported apples and strawberries worth N33 billion from South Africa in the first half of 2026 (January -June).

The report stated that N10.38bn of apples were imported in the first quarter while N22.65bn of apples and strawberries were imported in the second quarter.

According to the report, apples are known to grow best in temperate climates with cold seasons providing 800–1,000+ chilling hours below 45°F (7°C) to break dormancy and ensure proper fruit set.

It can also grow in moderate weather (ideally 65–75°F or 18–24°C). This helps with optimal growth and flavour development without excessive heat stress.

This temperature is suitable in Plateau State, however, a former President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mohammed Gettado, explained that apples were grown in limited quantities in Plateau State but suffered neglect due to poor government attention and the widespread view that the fruit was meant for the wealthy.

Gettado said, “In North Central Plateau State, apples grow very well. Unfortunately, people consider apples a fruit for the elite only. So, the government, especially the state government, has not been serious about mobilising farmers, training them, giving them improved varieties and the right inputs.”

He added that production remained “very small” because farmers lacked support, stressing that subsidised inputs delivered at the right time were critical to scaling output.

“What farmers require are inputs such as fertiliser, agrochemicals and improved varieties, and they must be given at the right time, before planting,” he said. “If farmers can get these, and also have access to markets, Nigeria can produce whatever it needs and even beyond.”

Related Topics:Featured Fruits import Nigeria

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Naira Exchange Rates Thursday, 5 Nov 2026

Published

7 hours ago

November 5, 2026

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BLACK/ PARALLEL MARKET RATES

₦1400DOLLAR (USD)

₦1830POUND (GBP)

₦1515 EURO (EUR)

₦950 CANADIAN DOLLAR (CAD)

₦70 SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR)

₦350 UAE DIRHAM (AED

₦190 Chinese YUAN (CNY)

₦100 Ghanaian CEDI (GHS)

West African CFA ₦2240 (XOF)

Central African CFA ₦2180 (XAF)

₦820 Australian Dollar AUSSIE (AUD)

Business

NNPCL wants to sell 10% equity via IPO on NGX, LSE

NNPC is expected to spend at least the whole of 2027 preparing for the proposed offering, with the listing primarily intended to strengthen corporate transparency and governance in line with Nigerian law.

Published

1 day ago

November 4, 2026

OCHEFA

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) is considering selling between 5% and 10% of its equity through a potential initial public offering (IPO), with the proposed listing expected to focus primarily on Nigeria’s domestic capital market.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Bashir Bayo Ojulari, disclosed this in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, adding that the company could also pursue a secondary listing in London or New York.

The disclosure comes shortly after the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s IPO closed on October 27, following a two-week extension of its subscription period from the initial October 13 deadline.

Ojulari indicated that raising additional capital would be a secondary consideration rather than the main reason for going public.

The company is also considering listing some of its subsidiaries separately, following a model adopted by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the United Arab Emirates’ state-owned oil company.

Beyond the potential IPO, Ojulari disclosed that Chinese companies have expressed interest in acquiring equity stakes in some of NNPC’s smaller refineries, particularly the Port Harcourt and Warri facilities, which require substantial rehabilitation.