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Nigeria is one of the largest players in global trade. While many people think only of oil, the country is a goldmine of agricultural products such as cocoa, cashews, and sesame seeds. These products are moved from Nigerian farms to tables all over the world by powerhouse companies that handle everything from sourcing to shipping.
If you are looking to understand who the “big fish” are in the Nigerian export space, you are in the right place. Here is a look at the top 10 commodity export companies making waves in Nigeria today.
Key Takeaways
- These companies are the leaders in Nigeria’s non-oil sector, proving that products like cocoa and cashew are just as vital as petroleum for the country’s wealth.
- Ovalium Pulmer provides quality agro commodities such as cocoa, shea butter, kola nut, cashew nuts, and recycled plastic materials
- Companies like Tulip Cocoa and Olam Nigeria keep Nigeria ranked as one of the world’s top cocoa producers, feeding the global chocolate market.
- Instead of just shipping raw goods, firms like Foodpro Group and Valency Agro now process items locally, which creates more jobs and brings in more money.
- Exporters like Enkay Indo invest in high-tech cleaning and sorting to ensure Nigerian seeds meet the tough health standards of Europe and Asia.
- Atlantic Shrimpers Limited demonstrates that Nigeria’s water resources are a major goldmine, dominating the frozen shrimp market in Europe.
- These companies have built strong bridges between Nigeria and major economies like India, Vietnam, the Netherlands, and the USA.
Top 10 Export Companies in Nigeria
Here are the top 10 export companies in the country:
1. Ovalium Pulmer (Ovalium Pulver Limited)
Ovalium Pulmer is a major name in the Nigerian export sector. They are well-known for their deep understanding of the supply chain. They don’t just export; they provide intelligence and data that help the industry grow.
The company supplies agricultural commodities such as cocoa, shea butter, kola nut, cashew nuts, and other quality agro commodities. They have built a reputation for being reliable and for using modern technology to track their shipments. This ensures that when a buyer in Europe or Asia orders goods, they arrive on time and in great condition.
2. Foodpro Group
If you have ever eaten high-quality cashew nuts abroad, there is a good chance they came from Foodpro Group. This company is a specialist in the cashew value chain. Based in Ilorin and Lagos, they have a massive factory where they process raw cashew nuts into kernels.
What makes Foodpro stand out is its “GoNutz” brand. They have moved from just selling raw materials to selling finished, packaged snacks. This adds more value to the Nigerian economy and creates thousands of jobs for local workers.
3. Olam Nigeria
Olam is a giant, not just in Nigeria but globally. They started in Nigeria in 1989, and today, they are one of the largest non-oil exporters in the country. They deal in almost everything: cocoa, cashews, sesame seeds, cotton, and rice.
Olam is famous for its “seed-to-shelf” model. This means they are involved in every step from giving seeds to farmers to processing the final product in their giant mills. They are the backbone of the Nigerian agricultural export economy.
4. Agrobond
Agrobond is a modern, tech-driven company that focuses on connecting Nigerian farmers to the global market. They act as a bridge. Many small farmers have great crops but don’t know how to sell them to big buyers in America or Europe. Agrobond solves this problem.
They use a platform that ensures transparency. Buyers know exactly where their food is coming from, and farmers get a fair price for their hard work.
5. Farmatrix
Farmatrix is another innovative company that uses technology to boost exports. They are an “AgriTech” firm. Their main goal is to reduce “post-harvest loss.” In simple terms, they help make sure food doesn’t spoil before it gets to the buyer.
By using artificial intelligence (AI) and smart logistics, Farmatrix helps move commodities like ginger, grains, and tubers from rural farms to international shipping ports quickly.
6. Enkay Indo Nigerian Industries
Established over 20 years ago, Enkay Indo is a leader in the export of spices and seeds. If you see Nigerian dried hibiscus flowers or sesame seeds in a global market, Enkay Indo likely handled them.
They have state-of-the-art cleaning and sorting machines in Lagos. These machines can process hundreds of tons of products every day, ensuring that every bag of seeds exported meets international purity standards.
7. Atlantic Shrimpers Limited
Not all commodities come from the soil; some come from the sea. Atlantic Shrimpers Limited is the largest fishing company in West Africa. They own a massive fleet of over 70 trawlers that catch shrimp and fish in the Atlantic Ocean.
Their flagship brand, PRIM7STARS is a household name in the European seafood market. They export thousands of tons of frozen seafood every year, making them a top foreign exchange earner for Nigeria.
8. Tulip Cocoa
Nigeria is a top global producer of cocoa, and Tulip Cocoa is at the heart of that industry. Based in Ogun State, they have a giant factory that grinds cocoa beans.
Instead of just exporting raw beans, they turn them into cocoa butter (used in chocolates and lotions), cocoa liquor, and cocoa cake/powder. This processing makes their exports much more valuable than raw beans alone.
9. ETC Agro Company Nigeria Limited
ETC Agro is part of a large global group that handles a wide variety of products. In Nigeria, they are heavily involved in exporting pulses, sesame seeds, and ginger.
They are known for their massive storage facilities (warehouses) across Nigeria. These warehouses allow them to buy crops during the harvest season and store them safely until they are ready to be shipped across the world.
10. Valency Agro Nigeria Limited
Valency Agro is one of the most successful non-oil exporters in recent years. They have a very diverse portfolio, meaning they trade in many different things. Their main exports include raw cashew nuts, soybeans, and cocoa beans.
They are a very financially strong company and have recently expanded into making “FMCG” (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods). This means they are now making their own branded milk powder and custard, showing that they are growing from a simple exporter into a full food company.
Why Choose Ovalium Pulmer?
Ovalium Pulver is the leading agro commodity export company in Nigeria. We deliver the essential link between premium Nigerian resources and the global market. By combining deep local expertise with a sophisticated supply chain, you get a reliable, high-quality gateway to agricultural staples like dried hibiscus, cocoa, and ginger, alongside sustainable industrial solutions like RPET flakes.
When you choose Ovalium Pulver, you aren’t just selecting a supplier; you’re partnering with a team dedicated to transparency and the seamless delivery of raw materials that power international industries.
Need to start your export journey? Contact Ovalium Pulmer today to get the best supply chain intelligence to help you succeed in the global market.
Conclusion
Nigeria is rich with opportunities for anyone looking to trade in commodities. From the cocoa of Tulip Cocoa and the shrimp of Atlantic Shrimpers to the tech-driven model of Agrobond, leading companies are showcasing the strength of Nigerian exports on the global stage.
Among them, Ovalium Pulver stands out by delivering high-quality agro-commodities through a reliable, traceable supply chain built on direct partnerships with vetted local farmers. With a diverse product portfolio spanning premium agricultural commodities and recycled plastic materials, the company is well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of global markets.
The world wants what Nigeria has to offer and for farmers, investors, and buyers alike, now is the time to be part of Nigeria’s growing export success.
FAQs
1. Do I need a special license to start an export business?
Yes. Every exporter in Nigeria must register with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). You will receive an Exporter’s Certificate, which is the primary legal document required to move goods out of the country.
2. Can I export goods without a company registration?
No. To get an export license from the NEPC, you must have a registered company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). You will need your Certificate of Incorporation and a Tax Identification Number (TIN).
3. What are the most profitable small-scale commodities to export?
If you are starting small, items like dried hibiscus flowers, ginger, and shea butter are highly profitable. They are lighter to ship and have high demand in Europe and North America for use in teas and cosmetics.
4. How do I make sure my goods aren’t rejected abroad?
You must obtain a Phytosanitary Certificate from the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS). This certificate proves that your agricultural products are free from pests and diseases and meet the health standards of the country you are shipping to.
5. Can I export processed food like jollof rice spices?
Yes, but you will need an extra permit from NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control). They ensure that any processed or packaged food is safe for human consumption before it leaves Nigeria.
