The export of agro commodities like hibiscus flowers is gaining prominence among farmers and investors who desire to tap into the market’s global demand.
Grown mainly in Jigawa, Katsina, Bauchi, Kano, Maiduguri, Kebbi, and Sokoto, the hibiscus market offers a $100 million (N149.18 billion) opportunity for investors to tap into.
Mexico is the destination for 85 percent of Nigeria’s hibiscus. A popular Mexican drink known as ‘Agua de Jamaica’ is made from steeped hibiscus flowers, diluted with water, and sweetened with sugar.
In Nigeria, the versatility of the flavoured flower is driving demand from beverage processors. It is used for the popular zobo drink that can also be made into a list of by-products.
Hibiscus jellies, jams, fruit pastes, traditional medicines, teas, syrups and refreshing drinks can be found in almost every market stall in West Africa.
The flower grows throughout the year, though its peak production is during the dry season of November to April in the country, it is still considered high-yielding.
Sourced data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show that Nigeria posted an average of N51 billion from exports of dried hibiscus flowers in the first half of 2025 (January – June).
However, while many farmers and agribusiness owners are enthusiastic about joining the export league, a knowledge gap that is hindering export persists in the value chain.
BusinessDay looks at six core steps that can make the process of exporting hibiscus flowers easier for farmers, as outlined by a hibiscus exporter, Ameenu Jafaar.
Read also: How to succeed as a hibiscus exporter in 2025
Register your business
Registering your business with the CAC is a mandatory first step before you can legally operate as an exporter in Nigeria. It transforms your hibiscus flower venture from an informal operation into a recognised legal entity.
As farmers and agribusiness owners look at tapping into the hibiscus export market, registering their business name through the website of the CAC is an essential step.
Secure NEPC certificate
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is the federal agency responsible for promoting non-oil exports and regulating exporters. To legally export hibiscus flowers (or any agricultural product) from Nigeria, you must obtain an NEPC exporter’s certificate. This certificate serves as your official license to trade across borders.
Warehouse arrangement
Before exporting hibiscus flowers, you need a proper warehouse arrangement to ensure quality preservation, smooth logistics, and compliance with export standards. This involves:
Location Choice – Secure a warehouse close to production clusters. For instance, Kano, Jigawa, Katsina or near a port of exit like Apapa, Tin Can, or Port Harcourt, to reduce transport costs and delays.
Storage Conditions – Hibiscus flowers must be kept dry, cool, and free from pests. Invest in warehouses with controlled ventilation and fumigation services to prevent mould, discolouration, or insect infestation.
Become a member of AHFEAN
Becoming a member of Association of Hibiscus Flower Exporters of Nigeria (AHFEAN) is an important step for anyone looking to enter the hibiscus export market.
The association is the umbrella body that brings together exporters, processors, and key stakeholders in the hibiscus value chain. Registration provides several benefits, like credibility and recognition, networking opportunities, market information, capacity building, and policy advocacy.
Obtain NAQS certification
The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) is the federal agency responsible for ensuring that agricultural commodities leaving or entering the country meet international standards for plant health, pest control, and quality.
For hibiscus flowers, NAQS certification is non-negotiable, as many importing countries enforce strict phytosanitary rules.
Obtaining a certification will entail phytosanitary clearance as the NAQS inspects and certifies hibiscus flowers to ensure they are free from pests, diseases, and contaminants.
It also issues a phytosanitary certificate, which is required at customs checkpoints to clear goods, and is also a mandated document that international buyers ask for before processing payment.
Compliance
SENASICA is Mexico’s National Service for Agri-Food Health, Safety, and Quality. It enforces phytosanitary laws to keep pests and contaminants out of Mexico’s food and agricultural supply chain.
Hibiscus flowers are highly susceptible to pests such as insects, moulds, and fungi. Before shipment, products must undergo fumigation with approved chemicals.
This process of obtaining a Mexican certification is important because it builds buyers’ trust and leads to a smooth trade process.
