Nigeria imports N33bn apples, strawberries in 6 months

Nigeria imported apples and strawberries worth N33bn in the first 6 months of 2026, data from the foreign trade statistics compiled by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has shown.

The report stated that N10.38bn of apples were imported in the first quarter while N22.65bn of apples and strawberries were imported in the second quarter.

The report stated that the country imported the commodity from South Africa.

Daily Trust reports that apples are known to grow best in temperate climates with cold seasons providing 800–1,000+ chilling hours below 45°F (7°C) to break dormancy and ensure proper fruit set.

It can also grow in moderate weather (ideally 65–75°F or 18–24°C). This helps with optimal growth and flavour development without excessive heat stress.

This temperature is suitable in Plateau State, however, a former President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mohammed Gettado, explained that apples were grown in limited quantities in Plateau State but suffered neglect due to poor government attention and the widespread view that the fruit was meant for the wealthy.

Gettado said, “In North Central Plateau State, apples grow very well. Unfortunately, people consider apples a fruit for the elite only. So, the government, especially the state government, has not been serious about mobilising farmers, training them, giving them improved varieties and the right inputs.”

He added that production remained “very small” because farmers lacked support, stressing that subsidised inputs delivered at the right time were critical to scaling output.

“What farmers require are inputs such as fertiliser, agrochemicals and improved varieties, and they must be given at the right time, before planting,” he said. “If farmers can get these, and also have access to markets, Nigeria can produce whatever it needs and even beyond.”

Gettado argued that wider availability and lower prices would help shed the image of apples as a luxury item. “If it is cheap and available, everybody will take it, the common man, the peasant farmer, because it is very healthy,” the AFAN chief said.

For strawberries that thrive in moderate temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C), farmers have cited transport logistics and the increasing hot weather as threatening their production in the country.

Commenting how transport has been a bottleneck in reaching markets, the Chief Operating Officer of Limlim Foods, Deola Balogun, said logistics cost more than the fruit and for years, Arik Airline was the only lifeline for Jos, the Plateau state capital where it is mostly farmed.

She said the halt of Arik Air operation to the state increased the difficulty moving the product as it can’t be transported by road with fresh strawberries surviving between 1 and 4 days at room temperature.

“That is the entire window. On our last attempt by road, we used Styrofoam boxes (additional cost), packed ice for 48 hours, turned prayer warrior against checkpoint delays and rough roads, but still lost 20–30% to sweating fruit, broken boxes, heat pockets and delays. You can’t get any refund, just absorb the losses and move on.

“Nigeria built production without securing logistics, food security is logistics security. We’re not losing strawberries because farmers don’t know how to grow them, we’re losing them because a berry’s entire value chain depended on a plane we didn’t control.”

She added that if Plateau produces 700 tons in a season and 50% is lost due to transportation logistics challenges, Lagos will import strawberries, puree and concentrate while fresh berries rot in Jos.

“Strawberries are just the clearest example of a delicate fruit with a 4-day lifespan exposing a national blind spot. However, this isn’t a tragedy waiting to happen. It’s a test,” she added.

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