Nigerian Sesame: A Golden Seed Powering Global Markets

Sesame, often referred to as Nigeria’s “golden seed,” is one of the country’s top agricultural exports, with growing global relevance. Rich in oil content and prized for its nutritional and industrial value, Nigerian sesame is highly sought after in markets across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Grown predominantly in states like Benue, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Taraba, and Sokoto, Nigerian sesame comes in two main varieties—white and brown. The white variety, especially, is preferred for its high oil yield and is widely used in bakery, confectionery, oil extraction, and tahini production. Nigerian sesame is known for its clean appearance, good uniformity, and minimal chemical residue, making it attractive to buyers seeking high-quality, natural products.

From smallholder farms to international shipment, the sesame value chain in Nigeria is increasingly becoming more structured and quality-driven. After harvest, the seeds are cleaned, sorted, and graded according to global export standards. With the right post-harvest handling, Nigerian sesame can command premium prices in competitive markets like Japan, China, Turkey, and the UAE.

At Dawanau.com, we facilitate seamless trade by connecting Nigerian sesame producers, aggregators, and exporters with credible global buyers. Our digital marketplace ensures quality assurance, price transparency, and verified logistics partners, making sesame trading efficient and trustworthy.

As the world shifts toward healthier and plant-based oils, Nigerian sesame stands poised as a sustainable, profitable crop—boosting incomes locally while satisfying growing demand globally.