Nigeria’s first nationwide clove farming programme

[Henlus]

The Federal Government has announced plans to roll out Nigeria’s first nationwide clove farming programme, targeting over 74,000 farmers across the 36 states and the FCT.
   

According to official reports, the programme is scheduled to take off from the 2026 wet farming season, with at least 2,000 farmers per state expected to participate. Farmers involved are to be supported with quality clove seedlings and basic production inputs to help establish plantations.

Cloves are one of the highest-value spice crops globally, used in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and essential oil production. Despite this, Nigeria does not currently produce cloves commercially, and most of the cloves consumed locally are imported from Cameroon and other countries.

The FG’s objective is to diversify agricultural exports, reduce dependence on imports, and position Nigeria to tap into the multi-billion-dollar global clove market. If well implemented, the programme could create long-term income for farmers, since clove trees are perennial and productive for decades once established.

However, success will depend heavily on proper seed quality, suitable growing zones, farmer training, extension support, and long-term commitment, because cloves take several years before full commercial yield. Without these, the programme may struggle.
If done right, this could mark Nigeria’s entry into a crop that has remained largely untapped despite its strong global demand and profitability.

[FarmKing]

This is a very bold move by the FG, especially because cloves are not a short-term crop. Any government willing to invest in a crop that takes patience is at least thinking long term. If the seedlings are genuine and the farmers are properly guided, this could quietly become one of the most impactful agricultural programmes in years.

[Manihot]

What excites me most is the export angle. Cloves are not just for local consumption. The global demand is strong and stable, unlike many food crops that fluctuate heavily. If Nigeria gets even a small share of the global clove market, it will open a new foreign exchange stream outside oil.

[CassavaBoss]

Many people do not realize that cloves are perennial trees that can produce for 30 to 50 years. That means once a farmer establishes a plantation successfully, it becomes a long-term income source. This alone separates cloves from seasonal crops like maize or cucumber.

[YoungAgropreneur]

However, the key issue will be seedlings. If the FG distributes poor-quality or wrong varieties, the whole programme will fail silently. Cloves are very sensitive to genetics and climate. Seed sourcing must be taken seriously, preferably from proven producing regions.

[GreenVet]

Another important factor is farmer education. Clove farming is not something most Nigerian farmers are familiar with. Without proper extension services on spacing, soil type, shade management, and disease control, many plantations may not survive the first few years.

[MamaGreens]

It is also good to note that cloves require patience. Farmers should be clearly informed that this is not a quick-cash crop. Full yield can take 5 to 7 years. Anyone entering with wrong expectations may abandon the farm halfway.

[Techie Farmer]

If implemented well, this programme can reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported spices. It is surprising that a country with Nigeria’s land and climate still imports cloves heavily from Cameroon and other countries.