Nigeria as a Global Sesame Seeds Export Hub: What Buyers Need to Know

Nigeria has cemented its position as the world's largest exporter of sesame seeds, with annual exports exceeding 350,000 metric tons. The country's sesame (also known as beniseed) is prized for its high oil content, clean taste profile, and competitive pricing.

Varieties Available:

Nigerian sesame comes in three primary varieties:

• White/Hulled: Premium grade for bakery, tahini, and hummus production
• Natural/Unhulled: Used for oil extraction and confectionery
• Mixed: General-purpose grade for industrial applications

Quality Specifications:

Buyers typically require:

• Purity: minimum 99.5% (premium grade 99.9%)
• Moisture: maximum 6%
• Oil content: minimum 48% (premium grades 52%+)
• Free Fatty Acid (FFA): below 2%
• Aflatoxin: below 10 ppb (EU standard)

Key Buying Markets:

Japan, China, Turkey, South Korea, and the EU are the largest importers of Nigerian sesame. Japan alone imports over 40,000 MT annually for their extensive sesame oil and paste industries.

Harvest Season & Pricing:

The main harvest season runs from September to December. Procurement prices are lowest during peak harvest (October–November). FOB Lagos prices typically range from $1,100–$1,600 per MT depending on variety and quality grade.

Sourcing Tips:

Partner with exporters who maintain relationships with established cooperatives in major producing states (Jigawa, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba). Pre-shipment inspection by SGS or Intertek is essential for quality assurance.