The Federal Government has said Nigeria’s mango industry has the potential to boost food security, create jobs and increase export earnings if stakeholders embrace innovation, climate-smart agriculture and stronger collaboration. Speaking at the inauguration of new executives of the National Association of Mango Producers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria (NAMPPMAN) in Abuja, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, urged the new leadership to prioritise improved production, quality standards, value addition and better market access.
Government officials also warned that climate change poses a growing threat to mango production through erratic rainfall, flooding and pest outbreaks. The Ministry of Environment called on the association to adopt climate-smart farming practices, invest in sustainable processing and storage, and develop climate-responsive projects capable of attracting funding to strengthen the industry’s resilience.
Outgoing NAMPPMAN President, Abdulkadir Nasir, said Nigeria currently produces about one million metric tonnes of mangoes annually from 120,000 hectares but could exceed five million metric tonnes with improved varieties and modern orchard management. Newly elected National President, Dr Garba Kangiwa, pledged to transform the sector into a technology-driven value chain that reduces post-harvest losses, creates jobs, attracts investment and positions Nigerian mangoes more competitively in the global market.
The association also highlighted the economic potential of mango by-products, including cosmetics made from seed kernels and organic fertiliser produced from farm waste. It called for stronger government support, including improved seedlings, financing and youth-focused programmes, while urging the new leadership to promote transparency and work towards making the mango industry a major contributor to Nigeria’s economic diversification.
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