Nigeria is set to lose $35 million (N12.6 billion) from the export of hibiscus following the ban placed on Nigeria by the Mexican government, a major importer of the country’s flower.

The media had earlier reported the lift of the ban on the country’s Hibiscus flower into Mexico, but the association of hibiscus flower exporters in Nigeria has debunked the news.

The report, which was credited to the NAQS said that farmers of the flower are eager to commence export while stating that the country has to take advantage of the opportunity provided to support the Federal Government’s diversification drive.

However, AHFEN is of the opinion that the ban has not been lifted, even though it is hopeful that it would be lifted anytime soon.

“The ban on Nigeria’s Hibiscus is yet to be lifted. The Mexicans gave us a work plan and this work plan is what the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) has been working with. The work plan is still in process; it is almost done but not yet,” said Tunde Lawal, president, Association of Hibiscus Flower Exporters of Nigeria (AHFEN).

“We hope it will be lifted soon. Now we are trying to organise how the product is planted, processed and harvested because in the years past, some products of low quality were found in some consignments,” Lawal said.

According to AHFEN, Hibiscus is a major income earner for the country, with Mexico importing about 85 per cent of Nigeria hibiscus.

 Hibiscus is a versatile crop used for the popular zobo drink that can also be made for 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.

In Nigeria, Hibiscus flower grows nearly throughout the year, though its peak production is during the dry season of November to April. Hence, the association is concerned about the possible implications of the ban on the farmers and exporters.

In 2017, Nigeria earned $35 million exporting 1,983 containers of hibiscus to Mexico, being the hub of southern and Latin America within nine months of that year.

According to AHFEN, dried hibiscus flower is used in the production of hibiscus tea. The tea is a caffeine free herbal tea from a special type of hibiscus, called Roselle; the scientific name is Hibiscus sabdarifa.

This tea is made out of the dried fruit part of Roselle, called calyx, which is red in colour and tastes like berries.

“There are concerted efforts from the government, NAQS, and everybody involved to see the ban lifted; but there is a need to correct the impression that the ban has been lifted,” said Femi Akinwumi, the vice president of AHFEN.

Source: https://www.businessdayonline.com/news/article/nigeria-losing-fx-mexico-ban-hibiscus-export-persists/

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