Why FG is championing development in neem value chain

The neem value chain presents a significant opportunity in the global market due to its versatile and highly sought-after products.

Recognising this potential, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) begins training of neem processors from across the North East.

Experts highlighted that organic and sustainable neem products have the potential to position Nigeria as a major player in the global market, where neem-based solutions are increasingly in demand.

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Speaking at a recently organized training by the council in Gombe, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni,  the Executive Director and CEO of NEPC, represented by Mrs Olufemi Olufummilayo, Assistance Director, Policy and Strategy Mrs Olufumi Olufummilayo, emphasised the importance of addressing key challenges within the neem industry to enhance the quality and uniqueness of Nigerian neem products.

“In view of this potential, the NEPC has decided to take a closer look at the neem value chain, identify challenges, and determine the necessary interventions to develop this sub-sector,” she stated.

The NEPC Gombe State Director, Mustapha Umar Faruk, explained that the workshop aimed to sensitise neem processors on improving quality and processing techniques to meet export standards.

“The world is going green, and neem is part of the solution. Nigeria has an abundance of neem resources, and NEPC is committed to developing them for export to international markets, particularly in Europe and China,” Faruk noted.

He added that neem seeds, cakes, and other derivatives are highly valuable internationally.

The NEPC is working to build the capacity of processors in Gombe State to produce standard neem products for export.

Hajiya Fatsuma Galadima, Chairperson of the Neem Processors Association in Gombe State, spoke on the diverse applications of neem, including its use in producing cakes, oil, cosmetics, and shampoo.

 However, she lamented the lack of machinery and resources, which limits processors to small-scale operations conducted at home.

“We currently process only ripe neem seeds that fall naturally, as we lack the equipment to process other parts of the neem tree, such as the leaves and unripe seeds. With proper machinery, we could utilize the entire neem tree,” she explained.

Hajiya Fatsuma also expressed concern about the dwindling neem tree population, which is attributed to tree cutting, and called on the government to promote neem farming by providing land and high-quality seeds.

Pharmacist James Agada, Gombe State Coordinator of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), praised the workshop for its enlightening impact.

He noted that neem is rich in applications ranging from agriculture to health and encouraged processors to register their neem products with NAFDAC for quality assurance.

“NAFDAC has already certified neem oil and is ready to assist processors in registering neem cakes and other products,” Agada added.