Most Nigerian Garri do not meet Export Standard

[Henlus]

Nigeria currently does not meet the standard most garri exporters require. This is not just content creation—it is a reality. Out of all the garri produced in Nigeria, only about 10% is exportable. I say 10% based on experience.
   

I come from Benue State, where the largest garri market around me is purely a garri market, yet not a single basin from that market meets export standards. I also studied in Ogoja, Cross River State. They have a smaller garri market there, and without talking anyone down, the quality is even worse—most of the garri is not properly dried and they sun-dry

Through my research, I discovered this is one of the reasons Ijebu garri has built a strong reputation. It’s not that Benue people cannot process garri to that level—Benue can even do better. The challenge is that producers are used to selling only to the local market. Asking them to change their production pattern feels like speaking a foreign language. However, if they adapt to export standards, the value and price of their garri will increase significantly.

Since I started working closely with exporters, I have realized that Nigeria largely lacks the standards they demand, and this is why countries like Ghana are currently leading. I honestly wish I could organize a training class for all the garri producers in my area.

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[Manger]

This is true. Standards are very important. Drying, cleanliness, moisture level, size, and packaging matter. Most garri in our markets is made to be eaten quickly, not to last long. Until producers understand that export garri is different from market garri, we will keep losing opportunities.

[Hippo]

Sadly, most of our garri is not well processed. Export buyers worry about mold, poison from fungi, and how long the garri can last on the shelf. Training and exposure are the only real solutions.

[Hunter]

Ijebu garri became popular because it is consistent. Same dryness, same texture, same taste, and clean processing. Buyers trust it. If Benue producers follow the same discipline, Benue garri can even be better. The problem is not ability, but mindset.

[AgMan]

Sun-drying destroys export quality. Dust, animals, moisture, and uneven drying are problems. For export, controlled drying is a must. Many processors still think it is unnecessary stress. That thinking must change.

[Hilux]

Many Nigerian garri samples are rejected before lab testing. Once moisture is high or dirt is seen, that is the end. Export buyers are very strict. Ghana understood this early and built proper systems.

[Farm-ninja]

Export garri is not the same as market garri. Just like export cocoa is different from local cocoa. We cannot keep producing the same way and expect better results. The examples from Benue and Cross River show this clearly.

[ZeroWaste]

This is why cooperatives and aggregation are important. One person alone may not change. But if exporters give clear requirements and promise to buy, producers will adjust. Without guaranteed buyers, nobody wants to take the risk.

[Agtech]

The painful part is that the technology is not difficult. Small improvements in processing and storage can make a big difference. But because producers sell everything locally, they do not feel any pressure to change. Export needs patience.

[SheFarm]

Another problem is pricing. Local buyers do not pay extra for better quality. Export buyers do. Until farmers see higher prices for better garri, they will not change. Money speaks louder than seminars.

[Vera]

Training is important, but government support is also missing. Where are the processing centers with dryers and quality control? Government talks about export, but small processors are left on their own. Without facilities, standards will remain ideas only.

[Locus]

This problem is not only about garri. Other cassava products like fufu flour, HQCF, and starch face the same issue. Nigeria produces a lot but exports little. Poor quality control and inconsistency are the main problems.

[AgroInnovate]

What you said about Ghana is true. Ghana focused on meeting buyer requirements early. Nigeria focused on producing more quantity. Quantity without quality does not work internationally. We must start thinking about the market, not just production.