NEPC Urges Kano Farmers to Process Soybeans for Export, Says Nigeria Losing Millions in Raw Produce Trade

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has called on soybean farmers and processors in Kano State to embrace value addition, warning that Nigeria is losing substantial export revenue by shipping raw soybeans instead of processed products.

The Northwest Regional Coordinator of the NEPC, Amina Abdulmalik, made the call on Thursday during a technical support workshop for soybean growers and processors in Kano.

Speaking on the theme, “Importance and Benefits of Soybeans Value Chain,” Abdulmalik said Nigeria could significantly increase its foreign exchange earnings by processing soybeans into finished products before exporting them.

According to her, soybeans offer enormous commercial opportunities beyond food consumption, serving as key raw materials for the food processing, livestock feed, pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries.

“Many countries are looking for soybean products. If we process our soybeans through the value chain instead of exporting them raw, the country will earn more foreign exchange, while our farmers and processors will make more money,” she said.

Abdulmalik noted that Kano is one of Nigeria’s leading soybean-producing states but expressed concern that many farmers and processors have yet to take advantage of the economic opportunities available through value addition.

She disclosed that Nigerian soybeans are currently exported to more than 100 countries, where they are processed into a wide range of industrial and consumer products, creating value outside the country.

She explained that the workshop was designed to equip participants with modern processing techniques, quality standards and market information needed to compete effectively in both local and international markets.

According to Abdulmalik, the initiative is part of the NEPC’s broader commitment to promoting non-oil exports as a strategy for diversifying Nigeria’s economy and reducing dependence on crude oil revenue.

She urged participants to adopt value-chain practices, expressing confidence that at least 75 per cent of those trained would venture into soybean processing for export.

“The objective is to move beyond producing raw grains to creating products with higher market value. That is where the real income lies for farmers, processors and the country,” she said.

Abdulmalik also encouraged stronger collaboration among stakeholders across the soybean value chain to improve productivity, enhance product quality and position Nigeria as a major player in the global soybean market.