Economic Diversification: Experts draw FG’s attention to ginger and shea butter
According to experts, the size of a country’s exports determines in large part its economy’s resilience and capacity to create jobs and stimulate inclusive growth.
It is against this backdrop that the Africa International Trade & Commerce Research (AITCR), in partnership with Nigerian Export Promotion Council presented report on a Value Chain Analysis of Nigeria Ginger and Shea Butter as Potential Geographical Indications (GIs) Products under the Zero-Oil Plan in Nigeria, during aValidation Workshop to that effect.
The report as presented Mr. Sand Mba-Kalu, the Executive Director of AITCR, provided valuable insights into the potential of Nigeria’s ginger and shea butter as Geographical Indication (GI) products.
He highlighted that the report would assist stakeholders in devising strategies to improve these products’ value chains and market access.
Mr. Mba-Kalu also expressed AITCR’s commitment to supporting the development of these products and promoting their export to international markets as part of the Zero-Oil Plan.
He emphasised that the findings of the report indicated that Nigeria’s ginger and shea butter have significant market potential in various international markets, such as Europe, the United States, and Asia.
“The analysis also revealed that these products possess unique qualities and characteristics closely tied to their origin and traditional production methods, making them well-suited for GI registration.
“The Value Chain Analysis of Nigeria’s Ginger and Shea Butter as Potential Geographical Indication Products report, which is part of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Zero-Oil Plan, marks a significant step towards advancing Nigeria’s non-oil exports”, he stated.
GIs, according to Kalu, is a mark that identifies products originating from a specific geographic location which possess unique qualities or reputations due to their geographical origin.
He added that ginger and shea butter were identified as two potential GIs products that can contribute significantly to this plan.
The report further noted that the Zero-Oil Plan is a Nigerian government initiative aimed at diversifying the country’s economy from oil and towards non-oil exports.
It, however, identified some challenges which include poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, lack of awareness of the benefits of GI certification among producers and stakeholders, quality concerns and standardisation of the products, enhancing the value chain, and addressing regulatory and policy issues could hinder the successful implementation of this initiative.
On his part, Dr Ezra Yakusak, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, mentioned that registering Nigeria’s ginger and shea butter under the GIs system would safeguard these unique Nigerian traditional products against imitation and misuse, adding that their value will increase in international markets.
He further added that this initiative would offer opportunities for smallholder farmers and rural communities engaged in producing these goods to access better prices and earn more income. The Federal Government urges all stakeholders to lend their support to this initiative and collaborate towards promoting these products as GI products.
