The federal and state governments have announced plans to begin investing in farmers and infrastructure to expand coconut production nationwide and tap into a growing global market valued in the millions of dollars.
Dr. Victor Iyama, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN), described coconut as “an undermined crop with the potential of a powerful engine of wealth creation.”
He said the crop could help transform rural economies and fuel significant export growth.
Global coconut output currently stands at over 59 million tonnes annually, with Nigeria ranking 19th in global production at around 224,186 metric tonnes each year.
In an interview with The Nation, Iyama said both global and domestic demand for coconut products are on the rise.
He noted that while traditional products, such as copra and crude coconut oil (CNO), remain important, the market is rapidly expanding into new areas.
“The cosmetic and personal care industry is another significant consumer of coconut derivatives,” Iyama explained.
In Lagos, the state government is actively helping farmers enter the fast-growing global coconut yoghurt market, now valued at $102.01 million and expected to reach $302.32 million by 2031.
Abisola Olusanya, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, told The Nation that Lagos is committed to increasing coconut production across the state.
She said, “The state government is ensuring that farmers have access to high-quality coconut planting materials. We are determined to reclaim Lagos’ position as a leading producer of high-quality coconuts.”
Coconut yoghurt is a rising star in the plant-based dairy alternatives market, driven by demand for dairy-free and lactose-free products.
Its appeal lies in its nutritional benefits, thick texture, and higher protein content, making it popular among health-conscious consumers and those focused on muscle recovery and wellness.
To help meet this demand, the Lagos State Coconut Development Authority has launched a statewide coconut tree planting programme in housing estates and across agricultural zones.
In addition to planting efforts, the Lagos government is investing in capacity-building programs.
Farmers are being trained in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to adopt modern, sustainable methods that boost productivity and crop quality.
The tree planting and training programs are part of a broader Coconut Value Chain Upgrade Strategy, a five-year initiative launched in 2023 with ₦250 million in state funding and support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.
The plan was developed using the UN Agri-Food Systems Transformation Accelerator (ASTA) and has an overall funding allocation of $4 million.
Olusanya said the government expects the investment to make Lagos a key supplier in the international coconut yoghurt value chain, improving both local livelihoods and global visibility for the state’s coconut sector.
On a national scale, the Federal Government has set a new target to more than double coconut production to 500,000 metric tonnes this year, up from the current 224,186 metric tonnes.
The Asia-Pacific region currently leads the global coconut market, holding a 34.76% share in 2024.
However, Nigeria’s renewed efforts may enable it to claim a larger share of the worldwide industry.
