Cashew Producing States in Nigeria: Where the Best Cashew Comes From

Nigeria's Cashew Belt

Cashew production in Nigeria is geographically concentrated across a band of states that share similar climate characteristics — a long rainy season, a pronounced dry season, and tropical temperatures that suit the cashew tree. This belt stretches from the North-Central states (Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa) through the South-West (Oyo, Ondo, Osun) and into the South-East and South-South (Enugu, Cross River, Anambra).

Understanding where Nigerian cashew comes from — and the characteristics of cashew from different regions — matters for buyers, processors, exporters and entrepreneurs making sourcing decisions.

Key Cashew Producing States

Kogi State — North-Central

Kogi is consistently cited as one of Nigeria's largest cashew producing states and a benchmark for Nigerian cashew quality. Located at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers, Kogi's lateritic soils and savanna climate produce cashew nuts known for their large size and good kernel outturn percentage.

Major cashew-producing local government areas in Kogi include Kabba-Bunu, Ijumu, Mopa-Muro, Yagba East, Yagba West and Lokoja. Kogi cashew typically comes to market between March and May.

Buyer note: Kogi cashew is often considered among the best in Nigeria for kernel quality and size. It is a primary sourcing area for processors aiming for W180 and W240 grade kernels.

Oyo State — South-West

Oyo is one of the South-West's major cashew producers, with production concentrated in the northern parts of the state — particularly Saki West, Atisbo, Irepo and surrounding areas. Oyo cashew benefits from the state's agricultural infrastructure and proximity to Lagos as a commercial hub.

Oyo cashew tends to be well-suited to kernel processing, with reasonable outturn percentages and good nut size in high-production areas.

Enugu State — South-East

Enugu State has emerged as a significant cashew producer, with production expanding across the state's savanna and derived savanna zones. Cashew farming in Enugu provides an important income source for smallholder farmers and is increasingly attracting processing and export interest.

Enugu cashew typically harvests slightly later than North-Central states, sometimes extending the available supply window for processors who can source across multiple regions.

Kwara State — North-Central

Kwara is an important cashew producing state, with production concentrated in Kwara North and Central areas. The state's savanna climate is well-suited to cashew, and production has been expanding with increased interest from both government programmes and private investors.

Niger State — North-Central

Niger State, the largest state in Nigeria by land area, has significant cashew production across its southern agricultural zones. Production is still developing relative to states like Kogi, but Niger offers potential for sourcing operations willing to invest in farmer relationships there.

Ondo State — South-West

Ondo is one of the South-West's cashew producing states, with production particularly strong in Ondo North. The state has active cashew processing and trading activity and has historically been part of the traditional cashew trading routes to Lagos.

Anambra State — South-East

Anambra has emerging cashew production, particularly in its northern zones bordering Enugu. The state's entrepreneurial culture has led to growing interest in cashew processing and value addition as farmers and entrepreneurs seek to capture more of the crop's value locally.

Cross River State — South-South

Cross River is known for its agricultural diversity and produces cashew alongside other tree crops. Cashew farming in Cross River benefits from the state's relatively fertile soils, though the more humid climate in some areas requires careful post-harvest drying management.

Nasarawa State — North-Central

Nasarawa is a growing cashew producing state in North-Central Nigeria, sharing similar climatic and soil conditions with neighbouring Kogi and Benue. The state is home to CashewHer Nigeria's founding team, giving us particular familiarity with cashew farming communities and conditions in this region.

How Regions Affect Cashew Quality

While all Nigerian cashew shares broad characteristics, there are meaningful quality differences between regions that experienced buyers learn to identify:

Sourcing Strategy for Buyers and Processors

For buyers and processors, sourcing across multiple regions can smooth out seasonal variation and reduce supply risk. The cashew harvest window in Nigeria runs broadly from February to May, but peaks at different times in different states — giving sophisticated buyers the ability to source quality nuts across a longer window by working in multiple regions.

CashewHer Nigeria is building sourcing relationships across Kogi, Oyo, Enugu and Niger States, with additional interest in Nasarawa and Kwara. If you are looking for Nigerian cashew supply, contact us to discuss your requirements.