Story: Written by Joseph October 31,2025
Nigeria’s melon (egusi) industry is quietly evolving into a multi-billion-naira agribusiness powerhouse. With surging demand, minimal entry costs, and impressive profit margins, both farmers and investors are increasingly turning their attention to this once-overlooked crop.

According to Tridge, Nigeria produces around 573,000 metric tons of melon annually, while local consumption exceeds 1 million metric tons, based on Foraminifera Market Research. This leaves a deficit of roughly 466,000 metric tons, exposing vast untapped potential.

At ₦1.3 million per ton as of October 29, 2025, the industry’s annual output is worth over ₦744 billion — and experts believe this could easily double if production and export capacities improve.

As staple crops like maize and rice face price crashes due to imports and bumper harvests, many farmers are switching to melon for its low input costs, fast turnover, and resilience. “About 98 percent of melon farming, harvesting, and processing is still done manually, meaning there’s huge room for mechanization and smart investment,” said David Nkwa, CEO of DNfood Global Limited.

Nkwa added that storage alone can yield between 25% and 100% profit, depending on timing, product quality, and market location.

Industry stakeholders say Nigeria dominates the global melon market, producing 65–70% of total supply. “Egusi isn’t just a Nigerian delicacy—it’s a continental favorite,” noted Tsekohol Denison, an agribusiness consultant. “Countries like Ghana consume it heavily, and Nigerians in the diaspora are keeping international demand high.”

A study by Francis Ojadi on IntechOpen found that half of Nigerian households regularly consume egusi. With over 40 million homes nationwide, even modest weekly purchases could generate over ₦10–₦20 billion weekly, showing how massive the local market has become.

Economic shifts are also fueling the melon boom. After the federal government’s ₦97 billion import waiver on maize, rice, and sorghum in 2024, local grain farmers suffered losses as prices dropped sharply. Maize prices tumbled from ₦120,000 to ₦80,000 per 100kg, while paddy rice fell by nearly half. Meanwhile, melon prices more than doubled, jumping from ₦120,000 to ₦250,000 per 100kg — a clear sign of its rising strength.

Experts recommend improved seed varieties, early weeding, and proper spacing for higher yields. For investors, buying between September and December—when prices are lowest—and selling during festive or dry seasons can maximize profit. “Always buy quality dried melon, plan your sales strategy, and avoid greed,” Nkwa cautioned.

However, challenges persist. The sector still struggles with manual labor, poor storage facilities, and high logistics costs that cut into farmer profits. Denison advises that proper ventilation, careful monitoring, and seasonal timing are essential to reduce losses and boost margins.

Globally, Nigeria remains the number one melon producer, with output stable at around 570,000–573,000 MT. Other producers like Ghana, Cameroon, and Togo contribute smaller shares, while international buyers in Europe, Asia, and North America continue to drive export demand.

With its strong domestic base, export potential, and steady price growth, Nigeria’s melon industry is increasingly viewed as a hidden goldmine for agribusiness investors — one capable of transforming rural livelihoods and powering the nation’s non-oil economy.