Arabfields, Maleeka Kassou, East, West & Central Africa Agriculture Correspondent — Nigeria is stepping up efforts to revive its struggling coffee industry as public authorities, agricultural cooperatives and private investors seek to reduce the country’s dependence on imports and create new income opportunities for rural communities. The renewed attention comes at a time when global coffee prices remain historically high and African producers are trying to strengthen their position in international markets.
For decades, coffee production in Nigeria declined because of aging plantations, weak investment and competition from the oil sector, which drew attention away from agriculture. Many farmers abandoned coffee cultivation altogether, preferring crops with faster returns. In states such as Taraba, Cross River and Plateau, however, local authorities are now encouraging producers to return to coffee farming through seed distribution programs and technical support.
At a coffee farm near Jos, 54-year-old farmer Ibrahim Musa said younger growers are beginning to reconsider the sector after years of neglect. According to him, the recent rise in international coffee prices has changed perceptions among rural families. “People used to see coffee as a forgotten crop, but now they think it can generate stable money again,” he explained while supervising workers sorting freshly harvested cherries.
Industry observers estimate that Nigeria’s coffee output could rise by nearly 18 percent in 2026 compared with the previous season if current rehabilitation projects continue. Analysts also expect domestic demand for roasted coffee products to expand as urban consumption grows among younger consumers and café chains increase their presence in major cities like Lagos and Abuja.
Agricultural economists believe Nigeria still faces major structural obstacles despite the renewed optimism. Limited access to financing, poor transportation infrastructure and inconsistent electricity supply continue to affect processing capacity. Experts also note that climate variability remains a growing concern for producers, especially in highland farming zones dependent on stable rainfall patterns.
Several initiatives launched this year aim to modernize the sector through improved seedlings and better farmer training. Authorities hope these measures will increase productivity per hectare and improve bean quality for export markets. International traders are also showing greater interest in West African coffee as supply shortages continue to affect some traditional producing countries.
Data from African agricultural trade agencies suggest that global coffee demand could continue increasing steadily through the end of the decade, driven largely by Asian and Middle Eastern markets. Based on current trends, Nigerian officials expect coffee export revenues to grow progressively between 2027 and 2030 if investments in processing and logistics are maintained.
Some projections indicate that Nigeria could gradually position itself as a secondary regional supplier rather than a major global producer. Specialists say this strategy may still create thousands of rural jobs and support smallholder incomes if quality standards improve. Farmers’ associations are also calling for stronger partnerships with international roasters to secure long-term purchasing contracts and stabilize prices.
Despite ongoing challenges, many producers see the sector’s revival as an opportunity to diversify the economy beyond hydrocarbons. In several farming communities, coffee cultivation is once again becoming part of local conversations about employment, land use and economic resilience.
