Nigeria imports N33bn apples, strawberries in 6 months – Daily Trust

Nigeria imported apples and strawberries price N33bn in the primary 6 months of 2026, information from the overseas commerce statistics compiled by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has proven.

The report acknowledged that N10.38bn of apples had been imported in the primary quarter whereas N22.65bn of apples and strawberries had been imported in the second quarter.

The report acknowledged that the nation imported the commodity from South Africa.

Daily Trust experiences that apples are recognized to develop finest in temperate climates with chilly seasons offering 800–1,000+ chilling hours beneath 45°F (7°C) to interrupt dormancy and guarantee correct fruit set.

It may develop in average climate (ideally 65–75°F or 18–24°C). This helps with optimum progress and flavour growth with out extreme warmth stress.

This temperature is appropriate in Plateau State, nonetheless, a former President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mohammed Gettado, defined that apples had been grown in restricted portions in Plateau State however suffered neglect on account of poor authorities consideration and the widespread view that the fruit was meant for the rich.

Gettado stated, “In North Central Plateau State, apples grow very well. Unfortunately, people consider apples a fruit for the elite only. So, the government, especially the state government, has not been serious about mobilising farmers, training them, giving them improved varieties and the right inputs.”

He added that manufacturing remained “very small” as a result of farmers lacked help, stressing that subsidised inputs delivered on the proper time had been vital to scaling output.

“What farmers require are inputs such as fertiliser, agrochemicals and improved varieties, and they must be given at the right time, before planting,” he stated. “If farmers can get these, and also have access to markets, Nigeria can produce whatever it needs and even beyond.”

Gettado argued that wider availability and decrease costs would assist shed the picture of apples as a luxurious merchandise. “If it is cheap and available, everybody will take it, the common man, the peasant farmer, because it is very healthy,” the AFAN chief stated.

For strawberries that thrive in average temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C), farmers have cited transport logistics and the growing scorching climate as threatening their manufacturing in the nation.

Commenting how transport has been a bottleneck in reaching markets, the Chief Operating Officer of Limlim Foods, Deola Balogun, stated logistics price greater than the fruit and for years, Arik Airline was the one lifeline for Jos, the Plateau state capital the place it’s principally farmed.

She stated the halt of Arik Air operation to the state elevated the problem transferring the product as it might probably’t be transported by highway with contemporary strawberries surviving between 1 and 4 days at room temperature.

“That is all the window. On our final try by highway, we used Styrofoam packing containers (further price), packed ice for 48 hours, turned prayer warrior towards checkpoint delays and tough roads, however nonetheless misplaced 20–30% to sweating fruit, damaged packing containers, warmth pockets and delays. You can’t get any refund, simply soak up the losses and transfer on.

“Nigeria built production without securing logistics, food security is logistics security. We’re not losing strawberries because farmers don’t know how to grow them, we’re losing them because a berry’s entire value chain depended on a plane we didn’t control.”

She added that if Plateau produces 700 tons in a season and 50% is misplaced on account of transportation logistics challenges, Lagos will import strawberries, puree and focus whereas contemporary berries rot in Jos.

“Strawberries are just the clearest example of a delicate fruit with a 4-day lifespan exposing a national blind spot. However, this isn’t a tragedy waiting to happen. It’s a test,” she added.