From Rabilu Abubakar, Gombe
Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, has reinforced efforts to position Nigeria as a major player in the global neem value chain by organising a one-day workshop in Gombe for neem processors across the North East.
Highlighting the immense potentials of the neem industry, NEPC’s Executive Director and CEO, Mrs Nonye Adeniyi, represented by Mrs Olufemi Olufummilayo, stressed the importance of addressing challenges in production and quality enhancement.
She stated that neem-based products, known for their organic and sustainable qualities, are increasingly in demand globally.
“NEPC is committed to analysing the neem value chain, identifying its challenges and implementing interventions to unlock its full potentials,” she said.
The Gombe State Director, NEPC, Mustapha Faruk, explained that the workshop is aimed at educating processors on improving quality and meeting international export standards.
“The world is shifting to green solutions and neem is a vital part of this transformation. Nigeria’s abundance of neem resources positions it as a key exporter to markets in Europe and China,” he remarked.
Faruk emphasized the value of neem seeds, cakes and derivatives, urging processors to recognise neem’s potentials and adopt best practices to enhance product quality and export volumes.
Chairperson of Neem Processors Association in Gombe State, Hajiya Fatsuma Galadima, described neem’s diverse applications, from producing oil and cosmetics to shampoo.
However, she highlighted the limitations posed by lack of modern machinery.
“Currently, we process only ripe neem seeds that fall naturally due to inadequate equipment. With proper tools, we could process the entire tree, including leaves and unripe seeds,” she stated.
Fatsuma called on government to encourage neem farming by providing land and high-quality seeds, noting that indiscriminate tree cutting threatens neem availability.
Chairman of Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists, NASSI, Mr Elias Estakis, lauded the workshop as timely.
“This knowledge will enable us improve storage techniques for neem oil and leaves without using harmful chemicals. I will ensure that these insights are shared with grassroots members,” he said.
Gombe State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Pharmacist James Agada, praised the workshop’s impact and noted neem’s applications in agriculture and health.
“NAFDAC has already certified neem oil and encourages processors to register neem cakes and other products. We urge NEPC to collaborate with us for laboratory testing to ensure global standards,” Agada added.
