The National Bambara Nut Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NABAPPMAN) has announced plans to increase Nigeria’s Bambara nut production from the current one million tons annually to 10 million tons within the next two years, while calling for greater government support to achieve the target.

Speaking after the association’s maiden National Executive Committee meeting and the opening of its national headquarters in Abuja on Sunday, NABAPPMAN President Suleiman Isiaka stressed the crop’s nutritional, medicinal, and economic significance.

“One of the significances of Bambara Nut is that it is almost ahead of the commodities in the country. Apart from the contribution, Bambara nut is medicinal for curing cancer, diabetes, and liver diseases. It is also a commodity capable of driving economic growth and national development,” Isiaka said.

He added that the Federal Government has identified Bambara nut as a key commodity to diversify the economy and boost agricultural output.

Isiaka explained that the crop thrives naturally in West Africa but cannot be cultivated in European soils, providing Nigeria with a unique export advantage.

“The soil in European countries does not permit Bambara nut production, but the whole world is using Bambara nuts,” he said, noting that over 30 food products, including cake, meat pie, milk, and swallow, can be derived from the nut.

The association’s National Secretary, Alex Eze, stated that members are committed to boosting food production nationwide through Bambara nut cultivation.

“So far, we produce 1 million tonnes of Bambara nut per annum, and it should turn to 10 million in the next two years,” he said.

Vice President Anthony Nwafor highlighted the nuts’ high protein content and versatility as a food source suitable for all ages and health conditions.

“Bambara is a very unique food. It is medicinal and apart from the medicinal qualities, it is equally food for all ages, both young and old, diabetics and non-diabetics, hypertensives, they all eat it,” he said.

Nwafor called on the government to provide more incentives and funding support for Bambara nut farmers, particularly at the grassroots, noting that increased production would support processing, marketing, and export.

“We are working with the Federated Association of Commodities, and the Federal Ministries of Trade, Investment, and Agriculture to see if they can help us,” he added.

The association said it aims to leverage Bambara nut’s health benefits, economic potential, and export viability to contribute to sustainable development and job creation across Nigeria.