An expert has said that cassava produced in Benue State could become Nigeria's equivalent of crude oil, arguing the crop has the potential to transform the national economy. According to the expert, harnessing Benue's cassava output could create jobs, boost economic growth, and strengthen food security across the country. The remarks highlight growing calls for Nigeria to diversify its economy away from oil dependence through agriculture.

The article discusses the significant untapped potential in the agricultural and agro-processing sectors in Nigeria and Africa, particularly in the context of geoeconomic realignment and associated investment risks. It highlights the socioeconomic factors influencing these sectors and the opportunities they present for investment.

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia opened the Benue 2035 Economic Transformation, Capital Formation and Prosperity Summit in Makurdi by urging participants to produce practical strategies for growth. According to the Daily Post, he said the plans should attract investment, create jobs and improve residents’ quality of life. The remarks were delivered at the Fr Alia Conference Hall, SEMA, framing the summit as a pathway to long-term prosperity for the state.

Nigeria's leading agricultural export products in the second quarter of 2026 were dominated by cashew nuts, cocoa beans and sesame seeds, according to Nairametrics. The top 10 agricultural export products generated a combined N747.54 billion during the period. The report ranks the country's most exported farm commodities for the quarter, highlighting the continued importance of cash crops such as cashew, cocoa and sesame to Nigeria's export earnings.

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is working to enhance Kwara State's role in Nigeria's non-oil export sector by focusing on developing export clusters for cashew, sesame seeds, and soya beans. This initiative was discussed during a stakeholders' consultative meeting in Ilorin, involving government officials, farmers, and exporters.

In an interview with Tribune Online, Oladapo Kehinde Toheeb, Chief Executive Officer of Kehtol Global Investment Company Limited, discussed the company's operations since its founding in 2018. Speaking with Aderonke Adesanya, he addressed the firm's role in Nigeria's agricultural and commodity-trading sector, its work with smallholder farmers, and challenges facing producers. According to Toheeb, Nigeria requires stronger investment in agricultural processing, alongside issues around commodity exports and local processing capacity.