Fruits Grown in Nigeria.

Nigeria boasts of rich arable land and a warm climate that allows for year round farming.

It is characterised by three distinct climate zones, a tropical monsoon climate in the south, a tropical savanna climate for most of the central regions, and a Sahelian hot and semi-arid climate in the north of the country. Each of these conditions supports the growth of a spectacular range of fruits, making Nigeria one of the largest fruit producers globally.

This article explores the vastness of Nigeria’s Fresh Fruit produce. From staples like Oranges and Bananas to more rarer fruits like the Ackee fruit. It explores the vibrant world of Nigerian fruits, categorised by their botanical classifications and the top 5 most produced fruits in Nigeria.

Nigerian Fruits by Botanical Classification.

Citrus Fruits:

• Oranges (Igbo: Oroma, Hausa: Lemo, Yoruba: Ọsàn òrom̀bó)

• Lemons (Igbo: Lemọn, Hausa: Lemo,Yoruba: Ọsàn wẹ́wẹ́)

• Mandarin

• Tangerine

• Tangelo

Drupes:

• Avocados (Igbo: Avaa, Hausa: Sha, Yoruba: Àgbọn iyẹ̀)

• Dates (Hausa: Dabino, Yoruba: Ikhengbere)

• Mangoes (Igbo: Mangu, Hausa: Manga, Yoruba: Mángòrò)

• Cashews (Igbo: Ọkụ̀ ọjị, Hausa: Kaju, Yoruba: Ewu pèlẹ̀, Iru)

• Coconut (Igbo: Aki ocha, Hausa: Kwamba, Yoruba: Àgbọn)

• Monkey Kola

• Hog Plum (Yoruba: 'Iyeye', Igbo: 'Ngulungwu', Hausa: 'Isada')

• June Plum

Berries:

• Banana (Igbo: Unere, Hausa: Ayaba, Yoruba: Ọ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀)

• Pitanga

• Papaya (Yoruba: Ìbẹ́pẹ̀)

• Guava

• African Star Apple (Igbo: Udala, Yoruba: Àgbálùmọ̀)

• Olohun

Pepo:

• Passionfruit (Igbo: ahuhu mkpụrụ, Yoruba: ife gidigidi eso)

• Watermelon (Yoruba: Elegede, Igbo: anyụ mmiri, Hausa: kankana)

• Golden melon

Aggregate:

• Ackee

• Oil Palm fruit

• Custard apple

• Breadfruit

Pome:

• Rose Apple

Others:

• Soursops

• Pineapples (Igbo: Nkwuaba)

• Pawpaws (another name for papaya)

• Jackfruit

• Cocoa bean (Igbo: Oji, Hausa: Kakao, Yoruba: Kókò)

• Atili

• Native pear

• Velvet Tamarind (Igbo: Icheku)

  
  

Top 5 Most Produced Fruits in Nigeria

While Nigeria boasts a vast array of fruits, some reign supreme in terms of production:

1. Oil Palm Fruit: One of Nigeria’s significant export commodities. It grows throughout the year and produces over 10 million litres averagely each year.

2. Banana: A staple food source, widely cultivated throughout Nigeria with an average yearly volume of 7 million litres.

3. Citrus Fruits: This includes oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, and limes.  Nigeria produces an average yearly volume of 4 million litres.

4. Pineapple: Nigeria is a major producer of pineapples, with an average yearly volume of 1.5 million litres yearly.

5. Mango: Mango thrives in Nigeria's warm climate. With numerous mango varieties, each with its unique flavour and texture. Nigeria produces an average yearly volume of 900 thousand litres.

   
   

   You can download our Nigerian Fruit guide below!

   
   

Nigerian Fruit Guide.pdf

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