The National Bambara Nut Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NBPMPMAN) is setting ambitious goals for the next two years, with plans to achieve 10 million metric tonnes of Bambara nut production.
This goal highlights the importance of Bambara nuts as a vital commodity in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, not only for their economic potential but also for their medicinal benefits.
Honourable Suleiman Isiaka, the National President of the Association, emphasised that Bambara nuts are a powerful medicinal resource, with the ability to cure cancer, diabetes, and liver diseases.
He noted that this makes Bambara nuts not only a significant crop for Nigeria’s economy but also a crucial component in the nation’s efforts to improve public health.
“The Bambara nut is medicinal for curing cancer, diabetes, and liver diseases,” Isiaka said. “Its significance in the Nigerian economy cannot be overemphasised.”
The association is actively mobilising to expand its reach, with a target of growing its membership to 10 million by the end of this year. This effort is part of a larger strategy to elevate Bambara nut production as one of the key crops driving Nigeria’s agricultural diversification.
The federal government has recognised the Bambara nut as an important commodity for economic diversification, and the association is determined to capitalise on this potential.
“Bambara nut is one of the commodities identified by the federal government as crucial for diversifying the economy and promoting agricultural production,” Suleiman added. “We are committed to taking Bambara nut production to the next level, with a target of producing 10 million metric tonnes in the next two years.”
The association’s growth strategy is also focused on expanding its membership base, with a particular emphasis on ensuring that the crop’s production and market reach grow exponentially.
According to Suleiman, “We are not waiting for the federal government to give us anything. Our membership speaks volumes. We aim to target 10 million members before December.”
He also emphasised that Bambara nut production has a unique advantage in West Africa. Unlike many other agricultural commodities, Bambara nuts do not face opposition in European markets due to the nature of the soil.
“The soil in European countries does not permit Bambara nut production, but the whole world is using Bambara nuts,” he explained.
The NBPMPMAN’s goal is to harness the full potential of Bambara nuts to drive sustainable economic growth and create long-term value for Nigeria. By focusing on increasing production and expanding membership, the association is positioning Bambara nuts as a key contributor to the nation’s agricultural future.
Suleiman reaffirmed the association’s resolve to make a significant impact on Nigeria’s economy, saying, “We are like a moving train. Whether the federal government brings funding or not, we will continue to push forward.”
The ambition to produce 10 million metric tonnes of Bambara nuts within the next two years signifies a bold step towards making Bambara nuts a cornerstone of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
Sunday Michael Ogwu is a Nigerian journalist and editor of Pinnacle Daily. He is known for his work in business and economic reporting. He has held editorial roles in prominent Nigerian media outlets, where he has focused on economic policy, financial markets, and developmental issues affecting Nigeria and Africa more broadly.
