A day at Badagry’s 40-yr-old coconut market

In the coastal town of Badagry, Lagos State, is a thriving coconut market that is opening opportunities for local farmers, traders and artisans.  The market, which has been in existence for over 40 years, has become a beacon of economic activities, not only in the state but for coconut traders in West Africa, attracting visitors […]

In the coastal town of Badagry, Lagos State, is a thriving coconut market that is opening opportunities for local farmers, traders and artisans. 

The market, which has been in existence for over 40 years, has become a beacon of economic activities, not only in the state but for coconut traders in West Africa, attracting visitors from far and near.

As you step into the market, you are immediately struck by the different sizes and shapes of coconut tucked in sacks on display. From fresh coconuts to dried ones, the market offers something for everyone. 

With the sweet aroma of coconuts, sounds and laughter from buyers and sellers in the bustling market lies a network of dedicated famers cum traders who work tirelessly to cultivate and harvest these fruits, which are most times mistaken for nuts because of the ‘nut’ in the name.

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Aside local supply, which is often not enough for the ever-growing markets in Nigeria, dealers also rely on products from neighbouring West African countries such as Ghana, Togo, Burkina Faso and Benin Republic.

Like a 74-year-old Amos Gbeliho, who doubles as the Baba Oja Agbon and chairman of the coconut wing of the market, many of the farmers have been in the business for years, running into generations, passing down their knowledge and skills from fathers to children. Aside owning a coconut farm, Amos has also introduced his son to the trade.

“We plant, nurture and harvest our coconuts with love, care and dedication,” the Baba Oja Agbon said. According to him, the market provides them a platform to showcase their produce and earn a decent income for themselves and their families

“I started selling coconut over 50 years ago because my children needed a higher quality life. This market is more than 40 years old. The market first started along the Badagry waterfront. 

“Initially, those who came to buy coconut from us used it to make oil or candies. Right now, the demand for the product is increasing by the day as beverage factories, snacks shops and restaurants rely on our supplies to stay in business,” he told our correspondent who visited the market, adding that his income increased more than he imagined. 

He also said women were becoming more involved in the entrepreneurial aspect of the coconut industry through food, beverages and more.

 

‘Coconut farming, our legacy’

Deep within the lush coastal regions of Badagry, Adeola Johnde, a third-generation coconut farmer, has kept the family business alive. Her family’s coconut farm, located close to Suntan beach, has been in operation for over five decades. The farm has not only survived the test of time but has also thrived under her leadership.

As Adeola walks through the small shed used as her office, attending to buyers and overseeing the day’s operations, it’s clear that she’s passionate about her work. The shed, bordered by the lagoon behind and the sounds of nature, serves as a reminder of the farm’s humble beginnings and the family’s commitment to sustainable farming practices. The farm’s operations include supply of coconut to factories within and outside Lagos. These have not only increased the farm’s revenue but have also created employment opportunities for local youths.

“For a very long time now, we’ve only seen these coconuts as food for the local market. “But why can’t Nigeria’s coconuts be in demand in America, Europe, or Asia, just like our oil once was?” she asked. She noted that grandfather had cultivated the farm for decades, and handed it over to her father.

Speaking of challenges, as a woman in a male-dominated industry, she says, “My day starts as early as 6am, with the inspection of the piles of coconut, awaiting to be supplied. Adeola outlined some of the challenges to include old farmland, aging coconut trees and hoodlums waging attack ok farmers anytime they go to harvest their crop.

She said while the potential in the coconut trade is enormous, local farmers still face several challenges in scaling their output. 

“These include outdated farming methods, limited access to modern processing facilities, and inadequate infrastructure for exports” she added.

James Sonayo, a coconut farmer listed some of the challenges confronting the crop to include lack of financial support, unproductive old groove, illegal levies, impoundment of goods by the Nigeria Customs Service, insecurity and lack of capacity.

According to him, coconut trade is a huge business that generates billions of Naira for the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) without adequate attention from the government.

Sonayon said: “This market was constructed over 40 years ago by farmers in Badagry, and we have not received any support from the government to develop the value chain.

“Whenever it rains, it is always a big problem for us; we will be running helter-skelter to protect the coconuts because they do not like water.

“This is a multi-billion-naira venture that needs federal and state governments’ support.

“We are appealing to the government to assist us with a modern market in Badagry. The volume of transactions in this market daily is over N50 million.”

He also urged the government to be committed to reviving the old coconut plantation groove in order to boost production.

Sunday Gbeliho, another trader in the market disclosed that coconut trees had become very crucial to the indigenous people of Badagry now more than ever, saying that over 60 per cent of the people in the area rely mainly on either coconut farming or fishing for survival.

“To us, coconut is one of the most popular and beloved fruits; and those who reside in the ancient town of Badagry reap the benefits in a multitude of ways. The coconut tree is like crude oil to the indigene of the area,” he added.

He said a bag of coconut varies from N25,000 to N27,000, depending on sizes.

“A flour bag can contain between 40 and 50 pieces. Our peak season is usually during the dry season, but demand has also increased with the opening of more local factories. “The market is open every day, except Sundays,” he explained.

Janet Wusu, a widow and mother of four who sells coconut along the road at Iyana Iba market in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos said, “I travel all the way to Badagry every coconut market day to buy. Most of my customers are those who grate the nuts and I extract the oil and sell,” she told our correspondent while buying bags of coconut from sellers. She said demand for coconut was high because of its multiple use, explaining that some people use the fruit for cooking while others use it for spiritual cleansing.

 

‘Coconut candy our source of livelihood’

A 56-year-old Adaku Igwe, who happens to be a single mother, said she made fresh coconut candies. She said, “I have been into selling of coconut candies in the last 20 years. I make fresh candies, which I package and distribute to shops in the Ikotun area.

……. For over 15 years, another coconut candy tseller, Fausatu Ajani has been a familiar face by the roadside at Iyana-Iba, where she sells coconut candies to passers by, particularly school kids. 

The 58-year-old mother of four has built a loyal customer base, who appreciate not only her delicious treats but also her warm and welcoming demeanour.

She says her coconut candies are made fresh daily, using high-quality ingredients and a secret recipe that has been perfected over the years.

“Though, the profit from selling coconut candies is not much, but enough to take care of my family” the single mother said.

She noted her sales increase when schools are in session, as most of her customers are pupils.

“I make an average of N15,000 to N20,000 daily from the sale of coconut candies. Sometimes, I supply food vendors in public schools around Ojo. Most of my profits comes from the supply I make” she revealed.

Speaking further she said the candies she makes come in a variety of flavors, including classic coconut, coconut with a hint of spice, and coconut with nuts. And that regardless of the flavor, each candy is carefully crafted to provide a sweet and satisfying crunchy taste.

Despite the challenges of selling by the roadside, Fausatu remains committed to her business. She takes pride in being able to provide for her family and contribute to the local economy. 

Her dedication and hard work have earned her a reputation as one of the best coconut candy sellers in the area. Her coconut candy business may be small, but its impact on her family and community is significant.

“Making coconut candies is an act I learnt from my mother in Imo State. She makes coconut oil used as hair cream in the good old days. Right now, the demand for coconut oil from locals has dwindled with the emergence of factory-produced ones. Although the gain from the sale of my product is not much, at least it helps to pay my bills,” she added with a smile.

She said that the market created jobs for many young people in the area.

“Those who sell fresh coconut at beaches are young boys and girls who are out there to eke out a leaving.

“Coconut trees also attract visitors, offering them shades why it is sunny. Coconut also serves as crunchy snacks to eat while picnicking,” she added.

 

Medicinal value

When our correspondent visited the Badagry waterfront, some visitors to the main market who were seen drinking fresh coconut water claimed that its water was highly medicinal and it could cure a number of sicknesses.

Juliana Okolawon said she went home with plastic bottles filled with coconut water each time she was in Badagry.

“Aside its refreshing taste, the water can neutralise poison if taken on time,” she said.

She revealed that some people mix coconut water with herbal roots for the treatment of ailments.

A nutritionist, Patricia Okorie, who dismissed the claim that coconut water is able to neutralise poison, told our correspondent on phone that the health benefits of coconut were mainly nutritional. 

“It is high in fibre and has many essential minerals. However, coconut has a high fat content and should be taken in moderation. It is not something that is routinely recommended for any sickness. This is a myth. Treatment for drug overdose depends on the substance and time it has passed from taking the said substance and presentation at the hospital.

“Coconut water is rich in electrolytes. In remote regions where ORS salts are not available, coconut water can be used for rehydration. However, it should be used only as a stopgap until the patient can get to the hospital for proper treatment,” she added.

 

Harvest period

John Dansisi, a farmer said a coconut farm was worth more than anyone could get as a retirement benefit.

According to him, coconut is harvested four times in a year. He added that a good harvest could give a farmer as much as over N1 million per harvest.

“Although my coconut trees are old now, I still harvest them from time to time.  One coconut is sold between N1,500 and N2,000, depending on the size. One makes more money if one is lucky to get a direct contact with companies.

“Right now, too many middlemen have spoilt the business for us. Most of them have good storage facilities. They buy from us in large quantities and keep in their storage facilities,” he explained.

 

Local demand

Amarachi Ugwugwor, who runs a small factory processing coconuts into milk, water, flour and snacks in the Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos, said she started her business in 2018 sourcing coconuts from the coastal town of Badagry, but as production expanded, she struggled to find enough coconuts in Nigeria and had to import the fruit from Ghana.

She claimed that the difficulties in sourcing coconut outside Nigeria made the product expensive. 

 

Government’s intervention

The Lagos State Government said it was making a bold move to increase its share of the global coconut yoghurt market currently valued at $102.01 million and projected to reach $302.32 million by 2031.

The state government is supporting farmers through strategic investments, aiming to enhance coconut cultivation, provide training and fund a five-year value chain upgrade plan.

To achieve this goal, the Lagos State Coconut Development Authority said it recently launched a statewide coconut tree planting programme across housing estates, explaining that the initiative aims to boost coconut production and position Lagos as a major supplier in the global coconut yoghurt value chain.

The demand for coconut yoghurt is on the rise, driven by its thick texture, higher protein content, and appeal to health-conscious consumers. Lagos coconut farmers are being encouraged to tap into this growing market, which is part of the broader plant-based dairy alternatives industry.

By increasing its share of the global coconut yoghurt market, Lagos State hopes to benefit from the market’s rapid growth, driven by rising consumer interest in plant-based diets and health-conscious eating.

 

Challenges and opportunities

Despite its success, the coconut market in Badagry faces several challenges. One of the major concerns is that coconut farm owners experience theft of their produce by hoodlums.

“We find it increasingly difficult to harvest our coconuts because of frequent attacks. Hoodlums who hide under the cover of darkness to harvest our coconuts attack us with machetes anytime they see us.

“We have reported this to Seme and Badagry police stations, but rather than offer us protection, they say the thieves harvest our fruits at night and there is nothing they can do.

“What of the numerous security checkpoints along the road. They won’t say that they don’t know,” he said. 

The chairman of the coconut market explained that aside from the attacks, they also do not have modern storage facilities, which can lead to spoilage and waste.

“We have heard government officials come around to ask what we need, but it all ends in paper works and nothing more. We need better storage facilities to keep our coconuts fresh longer,” Amos said.

Dauda Jimoh, another famer outlined some of what they need in order to meet up with demand to include but not limited to tractors and fertilisers.

He said, “Our coconut trees are now old and not producing enough. Coconut from Badagry is the best you can find anywhere in Nigeria.

“We need tractors to help us till the soil for planting and trucks to move products from farm to markets.”

Another opportunity for growth lies in value addition. By investing in coconut-based products, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food items, the market can increase its competitiveness and profitability.

Dauda said hoodlums also cut down coconut trees to sell to plank sellers.

Sunday Gbeliho further said that fiber from coconut was used in fabrics and as ecological fertiliser; water in food and cosmetic industry, and the bark as firewood for locals who reside by the bank of the numerous creeks in the area.