• Nigeria targets 12% share of global rubber production
• Strategy includes farm expansion, out-grower schemes, processing boost
• Goal aims to reduce oil dependence, increase export revenues

Nigeria's rubber sector is aiming to contribute 12% to global rubber production, according to Peter Idowu, president of the National Association of Rubber Producers, Processors, and Marketers of Nigeria (NARPPMAN). He made the announcement on September 11.

While a timeline for reaching this goal has not been set, the objective reflects the Nigerian industry’s growth ambitions. The target would elevate the country to the level of Côte d’Ivoire, Africa's top rubber producer and the third-largest globally, behind Thailand and Indonesia.

In 2024, Côte d’Ivoire’s natural rubber production was estimated at nearly 1.9 million tons, representing 12.32% of the global output of 14.6 million tons. By comparison, Nigeria has struggled to maintain production above 150,000 tons per year since 2013, according to official data.

According to NARPPMAN, the strategy to boost production will focus on expanding cultivated areas, integrating small-scale farmers through out-grower programs, and developing industrial processing and marketing.

To this end, the association plans to increase its regional offices from 18 to 24 to strengthen its operations and better structure the sector.

"Nigeria has enough land and resources to achieve it. We are poised to collaborate with government institutions, corporate organisations and international partners in building a resilient rubber value chain," Idowu said.

The planned increase in natural rubber production is also intended to diversify the country’s economy, which is heavily reliant on the oil sector, and to boost agricultural export revenues. Despite its minor role in the global rubber market, Nigeria exported nearly $80.7 million in natural rubber and related products, according to data from the Trademap platform.

Rubber cultivation is primarily concentrated in 11 states: Edo, Delta, Ondo, Ogun, Abia, Anambra, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Ebonyi, and Bayelsa.

Stéphanas Assocle