Nigerian Sesame Seed Guide

None of Nigeria's top 5 sesame trading partners apply import tariffs.

Source: ITC Trade Map

Sesame plants are drought tolerant and can be grown in areas where other crops would fail. Small-scale farmers often choose to grow sesame seeds because it is fairly easy to cultivate. 

Planting is normally done with a mechanical planter, and seeds are planted on ridges. 

During the growing season, weeding and pest control are important. The most vital stage for weeding is in the first month after planting.

Sesame seeds are ready to be harvested between 90-130 after planting.

When the majority of the capsules turn dark, the harvest starts. If the harvest is delayed, seeds might drop off the plant when harvested.

In the case of small-scale farmers, plants are cut down using a sickle. They are then bundled together and left upright to dry.

A week after the harvest, these bundles are threshed to gather the seeds. Bundles are often lightly beaten with a stick over a tarp. Seeds drop down on the tarp and are collected.

Source: Agri4Africa

After threshing, foreign debris is removed and the seeds are sieved and cleaned. This is done either manually or with mechanical separators.

Sesame seeds are best stored at moisture levels below 10%. Further drying might be needed at this stage. Sesame seeds are best stored unshelled, in dry conditions.  

Sesame seed is divided into white/raw and brown mixed, with different main production regions. 

Sesame seed is planted in July in most parts of Nigeria, but depending on the ecological zone, it can also be planted in November. It takes 90-130 days for the plant to be ready for harvesting. Thus harvesting takes place from September to November in several growing areas, and from January to March in others. 

Exports of sesame seeds are possible year-round because they can be stored for extended periods once the seeds are dried. However, historical data of Nigeria's exports show that the most important export month is in February. This is because Japanese buyers often make large purchases earlier in the year.

*2017 data not available

Source: ITC Trade Map

The top importers of Nigerian sesame seeds, according to value are

China, USD 126.86 M (45% of Nigeria's total exports), from 105,481 mt 

Japan, USD 64.91 M (23%), from 157,285 mt

Türkiye, USD 27.64 M (10%), from 20,669 mt

Vietnam, USD 21.48 M (8%), from 15,824 mt

Greece, USD 9.40 M (3%), from 101,020 mt

Nigeria's sesame seed exports in 2021 reached USD 284.70 M, from 427,388 mt. 

Sesame see is produced according to the target market. There are 2 types of sesame produced in Nigeria

1. White/raw = Food-grade used in the bakery industry. 98-100% whitest grade seeds.

2. Brown/mixed = Primarily oil-grade. 

There are several varieties farmers can choose from. However, the most important and most popular varieties are listed below:

Source: National Cereals Research Institute, Nigeria

In order for a company to export sesame seeds, it must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

Destination countries have different requirements for sesame seed imports. To export sesame seeds from Nigeria, a phytosanitary certificate is needed. 

Other important certificates include fumigation and inspection certificates. 

Each destination country has different requirements when importing sesame seeds from Nigeria. However, the most common certificates and requirements are as follows:

A phytosanitary certificate is needed to prove that specified phytosanitary import requirements are met.

Agrochemical residues should be kept below the mandated levels. Many countries would require a fumigation certificate.

Seeds could be tested for mycotoxins and rejected at destination ports if traces of mycotoxins, especially aflatoxins, above certain levels are detected.