Corruption eats Nigeria’s agricultural export potential- Hibiscus exporter

Over the past few years, the global market has shown an increasing appetite for natural health products, with dried hibiscus flowers gaining popularity for their numerous health benefits, including high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C. Recognizing this trend, Nigerian farmers and exporters have sought to leverage the country’s rich agriculture, hoping to transform Nigeria into a leading supplier of premium dried hibiscus flowers.

This initiative, aimed at meeting the rising demand with a superior product, underscores the potential of Nigerian hibiscus to stand out for its quality and authenticity. However, experts warn that corruption within the agricultural sector could undermine these efforts, threatening the country’s export potential.

In a recent interview, Rasheed Bakare, Paul Oluwatimilehin Odusoro, and Ololade Awofala, founders of Ayiras Global Export spoke on how corruption is eating away at our agricultural export potential. “Funds meant for improving farming infrastructure and supporting farmers often end up in the wrong hands. This not only affects productivity but also the quality of the hibiscus we produce.”

Founded in 2018, Ayiras Global Export is an exporter of not just hibiscus flowers, but also SoyaBeans, Cashew nuts, tiger nuts, and Nigerian dried split ginger. The mission is clear: to meet the growing global demand for natural, health-enhancing products with a superior offering that embodies quality and authenticity. They are dedicated to ethical sourcing practices, working closely with local farmers in Nigeria. This not only ensures a high-quality product but also supports the local economy and promotes sustainable farming practices.

“There’s no doubt that Nigerian hibiscus is among the best in the world, our soil and climate conditions are ideal for growing this plant, and with proper cultivation and processing, our hibiscus can easily meet the high standards demanded by international markets. It’s imperative that we prioritize quality at every stage of our process, from sourcing to packaging,” explains Alhaji Bakare, an agriculturalist. “Our dried Nigerian hibiscus flowers are meticulously selected and dried to ensure they retain their vibrant color, rich flavor, and nutritional benefits.”
According to industry insiders, corrupt practices are pervasive at various levels of the supply chain, from the allocation of farming subsidies to the processing and export stages. These practices not only inflate costs but also compromise the quality and authenticity of the products, eroding Nigeria’s reputation as a reliable supplier.

“Our vision for the future is clear: to be a driving force in Nigeria’s agricultural export industry and a catalyst for economic empowerment,” states Paul Odusoro. “Through our continued commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, we believe that Ayiras Global Export will not only thrive as a business but also contribute to the growth and prosperity of Nigeria.”
As the world looks towards natural, health-enhancing products, Ayiras Global Export stands ready to meet the demand, one premium hibiscus flower at a time. With a foundation built on integrity, excellence, and innovation, the company is poised to make its mark on the global stage, showcasing the best of Nigerian agriculture to the world. Despite these challenges, they remain hopeful. “The global demand for hibiscus isn’t going away anytime soon, If we can address these issues, there’s no reason why Nigeria can’t become the world’s leading exporter of premium hibiscus,” Ololade Awofala concludes.