Full List of Rubber Producing States in Nigeria (2024)
Rubber production has been an integral part of Nigeria’s economy for several decades. Nigeria is one of the world’s leading producers of rubber, and the country has a long history of rubber cultivation. The rubber industry in Nigeria is mainly concentrated in seven states, which are responsible for the majority of the country’s rubber production. In this article, we will explore the all rubber producing states in Nigeria and highlight the importance of rubber production to the country’s economy.
RUBBER PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA
Rubber production in Nigeria faces a series of challenges, including poor infrastructure, lack of funding, and outdated technology. Despite these challenges, rubber production remains an essential part of Nigeria’s economy. Rubber is grown in several states across the country, but the seven rubber producing states are the major contributors to the industry. These states include Edo, Delta, Ondo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Rivers.
KEY POINTS
- Nigeria is one of the top rubber producing countries in the world.
- There are seven rubber producing states in Nigeria which include Edo, Delta, Ondo, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, Abia, and Bayelsa states respectively.
- Rubber production is important to Nigeria’s economy as it contributes to the country’s GDP, creates employment opportunities and earns foreign exchange.
FULL LIST OF HIGHEST RUBBER PRODUCING STATES IN NIGERIA
The seven rubber producing states in Nigeria are located in the southern part of the country. These states have favorable climatic conditions, such as high humidity and rainfall, which make them ideal for rubber cultivation. The states also have fertile soils, which are suitable for the growth of rubber trees. The rubber industry in these states is a significant source of revenue, and it contributes to the development of the local economy.
The following is a breakdown of the rubber production in each of the seven rubber producing states in Nigeria:
EDO STATE
Edo State is the largest rubber producing state in Nigeria. The state produces over 30% of Nigeria’s rubber. The rubber produced in Edo is mostly natural rubber, which is used in the production of tires, footwear, and other rubber products. The major rubber producing companies in Edo State include Okomu Oil Palm Company and Presco Plc.
Edo State stands out as a top rubber producer in Nigeria due to its favorable climate and soil conditions. With a combination of abundant rainfall and well-drained soils, this state offers an ideal environment for rubber tree cultivation.
DELTA STATE
Delta State is the second-largest rubber producing state in Nigeria. The state produces about 20% of Nigeria’s rubber. The rubber produced in Delta State is mainly natural rubber, which is used in the production of tires and other rubber products. The major rubber producing companies in Delta State include Rubber Estates Nigeria Limited and Risonpalm Nigeria Limited.
Delta State has made significant strides in rubber production, thanks to government initiatives and investments in rubber farming. The state’s commitment to the rubber industry has attracted both smallholders and commercial farmers.
ONDO STATE
Ondo State is the third-largest rubber producing state in Nigeria. The state produces about 15% of Nigeria’s rubber. The rubber produced in Ondo State is mostly natural rubber, which is used in the production of tires and other rubber products. The major rubber producing companies in Ondo State include Owena Rubber Estates and Oluwa Rubber Plantation.
Ondo State has a rich history of rubber farming, making it a traditional hub for rubber production in Nigeria. The knowledge and experience passed down through generations have contributed to its prominence in the rubber industry.
ABIA STATE
Abia State is the fourth-largest rubber producing state in Nigeria. The state produces about 10% of Nigeria’s rubber. The rubber produced in Abia State is mainly natural rubber, which is used in the production of tires, footwear, and other rubber products. The major rubber producing companies in Abia State include Risonpalm Nigeria Limited and PZ Wilmar Limited.
Abia State has embraced progressive farming practices, including improved rubber tree varieties and efficient tapping techniques. These innovations have boosted rubber yields and quality.
AKWA IBOM STATE
Akwa Ibom State is the fifth-largest rubber producing state in Nigeria. The state produces about 5% of Nigeria’s rubber. The rubber produced in Akwa Ibom State is mainly natural rubber, which is used in the production of tires and other rubber products. The major rubber producing companies in Akwa Ibom State include Qua Iboe Plantations Limited and UAC of Nigeria PLC.
Akwa Ibom State has not only excelled in rubber cultivation but has also invested in rubber processing facilities. This value addition has enhanced its position as a key rubber-producing state.
CROSS RIVER STATE
Cross River State is the sixth-largest rubber producing state in Nigeria. The state produces about 5% of Nigeria’s rubber. The rubber produced in Cross River State is mainly natural rubber, which is used in the production of tires and other rubber products. The major rubber producing companies in Cross River State include Ekuri Community Rubber Plantation and Okomu Oil Palm Company.
Cross River, though emerging, holds promising potential in rubber production. Its efforts to promote rubber farming as an alternative to oil-based revenue sources are gaining momentum.
RIVERS STATE
Rivers State is the seventh-largest rubber producing state in Nigeria. The state produces about 5% of Nigeria’s rubber. The rubber produced in Rivers State is mainly natural rubber, which is used in the production of tires and other rubber products. The major rubber producing companies in Rivers State include Risonpalm Nigeria Limited and Rubber Estates Nigeria Limited.
Rivers State boasts high-yield rubber farms, thanks to modern farming methods and investments in research and development. This state’s rubber production contributes significantly to Nigeria’s overall output.
| State | % of Nigeria’s Rubber Production | Major Rubber Producing Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Edo | 30% | Okomu Oil Palm Company, Presco Plc |
| Delta | 20% | Rubber Estates Nigeria Limited, Risonpalm Nigeria Limited |
| Ondo | 15% | Owena Rubber Estates, Oluwa Rubber Plantation |
| Abia | 10% | Risonpalm Nigeria Limited, PZ Wilmar Limited |
| Akwa Ibom | 5% | Qua Iboe Plantations Limited, UAC of Nigeria PLC |
| Cross River | 5% | Ekuri Community Rubber Plantation, Okomu Oil Palm Company |
| Rivers | 5% | Risonpalm Nigeria Limited, Rubber Estates Nigeria Limited |
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF RUBBER PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA
Rubber production is a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economy. The industry generates revenue from the export of rubber and provides employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians. The rubber industry supports smallholder farmers who cultivate rubber trees on their farms. Rubber production also contributes to Nigeria’s GDP and foreign exchange earnings.
CHALLENGES FACING RUBBER PRODUCTION IN RUBBER PRODUCING STATES
Rubber production in Nigeria faces several challenges that hinder its growth and development. The following are some of the challenges facing rubber production in the rubber producing states:
INADEQUATE FUNDING
Rubber production requires significant investment in infrastructure, research, and development. However, the industry often faces inadequate funding, which limits its growth and development.
POOR INFRASTRUCTURE
The poor state of infrastructure in rubber producing states hinders the transportation of rubber to the market. Poor road networks and inadequate storage facilities contribute to the loss of rubber produce, which negatively impacts the revenue generated from rubber.
HIGH COST OF PRODUCTION
The high cost of production is another challenge facing rubber production in Nigeria. The cost of inputs such as fertilizer, labor, and machinery is high, which makes it difficult for rubber farmers to make a profit.
LACK OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY
The lack of modern technology is a significant challenge facing rubber production in Nigeria. The use of outdated equipment and methods leads to low productivity and high production costs.
WAY FORWARD FOR RUBBER PRODUCTION IN RUBBER PRODUCING STATES
To improve rubber production in Nigeria, the government, the private sector, and other stakeholders must take measures to address the challenges facing the industry. The following are some of the measures that can be taken to improve rubber production in Nigeria:
- Increase funding for rubber production to improve research and development, provide infrastructure, and support smallholder farmers.
- Improve infrastructure in rubber producing states to facilitate the transportation of rubber to the market and reduce post-harvest losses.
- Introduce modern technology and techniques to improve productivity and reduce the cost of production.
- Provide training and support for smallholder farmers to improve their knowledge and skills in rubber cultivation.
PERSONAL STORY: THE IMPACT OF RUBBER PRODUCTION ON A LOCAL COMMUNITY
I grew up in a small village in one of the rubber producing states in Nigeria. My family, like many others in the village, relied on rubber production as our main source of income. My father owned a small rubber plantation, and I remember spending my weekends helping him with tapping the trees and collecting the latex.
Rubber production had a profound impact on our community. It provided employment opportunities for many people who would otherwise have been unemployed. It also attracted businesses and other support services to the area. Our village had a small market where rubber farmers could sell their produce, and we had a cooperative society that offered loans to farmers to help them expand their plantations.
However, rubber production in our community faced many challenges. One of the biggest challenges was the lack of modern technology. The tapping and collection of latex were done manually, which was time-consuming and labour-intensive. This made it difficult for farmers to increase their yields and improve their income.
Another challenge was the poor state of the roads in our area. The roads were often impassable during the rainy season, which made it difficult for farmers to transport their produce to the market. This meant that many farmers had to sell their rubber at a lower price to local middlemen who would transport it to the city.
Despite these challenges, rubber production remained an important part of our community’s economy. I am proud to have been part of a community that contributed to Nigeria’s rubber production industry, and I hope that measures can be taken to improve the industry so that it can continue to provide employment opportunities and contribute to Nigeria’s economy.
CONCLUSION
Rubber production is an important industry in Nigeria, and the seven rubber producing states are crucial to its growth and development. Despite the challenges facing the industry, the government, private sector, and other stakeholders can take measures to improve rubber production in Nigeria. By increasing funding, improving infrastructure, introducing modern technology, and providing training and support for smallholder farmers, Nigeria can optimize its potential as a leading producer of rubber.
