A widely shared LinkedIn report by agritech and international trade expert John Dele has sparked nationwide attention on the alarming decline of Nigeria’s ginger production, a once-thriving export commodity now on the brink of extinction.
In 2022, Nigeria produced over 734,000 metric tons of ginger, making it the second-largest producer globally, with Kaduna State contributing over 70%. However, in 2023, a fungal disease, Phytophthora zingiberis, ravaged ginger farms, wiping out as much as 95% of the total harvest.
The ripple effect has been devastating:
- Ginger prices skyrocketed from ₦50,000 to ₦800,000 per bag
- Export volumes dropped by 74%
- Farmers suffered losses of over ₦12 billion
- Many abandoned ginger farming entirely, citing contaminated soil and unaffordable inputs
“This isn’t just a ginger story, it’s a case study in national food vulnerability,” Dele emphasized in his report. “High input costs, lack of early warning systems, and zero safety nets have left farmers helpless.”
With Nigeria unable to meet even local demand, importers have turned to Chinese ginger, which lacks the pungency and oleoresin strength that made Nigerian ginger world-renowned. Exporters have also begun sourcing from Ethiopia, but experts warn this is only a short-term fix.
Beyond the immediate agricultural loss, Dele’s message rings a louder alarm for food security across the country.
“If we don’t act fast, we won’t just lose crops—we’ll lose control over what feeds us,” Dele concluded.
About John Dele
John Dele is the Co-Founder of StorGit, a company focused on agritech solutions, agro-export, international trade, and the supply of agro-commodities such as palm oil. He is a respected voice in Nigeria’s agricultural and trade ecosystem, with a track record of promoting sustainable food systems and export readiness.
Original Source
Dele, J. (2025, August 5). Nigeria’s Ginger Is Going Extinct. [View Here]. Retrieved from [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/john-dale-7359b2343_nigerias-ginger-is-going-extinct-its-sad-activity-7358437150335328256-K92S?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAC8jfmoBXyBFsvQaHmCRQ60wbYaQF2LfOL4]
