The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), in collaboration with Dipton Nigeria Ltd., has launched a stakeholder engagement to harness Nigeria’s untapped potential in Aloe vera cultivation and processing.
The initiative aims to position Nigeria as a major player in the global Aloe vera market while driving industrialisation, economic diversification and import substitution.
RMRDC Director-General, Prof Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, said the $2–$5 billion global Aloe vera market is expanding rapidly. However, Nigeria remains excluded, mainly due to poor data, a lack of certified seedlings, and inadequate processing technology.
He unveiled RMRDC’s roadmap to establish a National Aloe Vera Working Group, develop quality standards with NAFDAC and SON, support certified nurseries, and connect small businesses to investors.
Dr Seb Ebiriekwe, Director of Agriculture and Agro-Allied Raw Materials at RMRDC, described the effort as a national dialogue aimed at building a sustainable value chain. Dipton Nigeria’s Managing Director, Mr Willie-Nwobu, announced a partnership with India’s Loharu Agro Farm to mentor local producers and enhance technical capacity within Nigeria’s emerging Aloe vera industry.
