The National Bamboo Farmers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NBFPMAN) says the country has the potential to earn up to 22 billion dollars every year from bamboo value chain development.
The National President of the association, Mr. Ukeme Nyah, made this known on Thursday in Abuja during the commemoration of World Bamboo Day.
World Bamboo Day is celebrated every year on September 18. The theme for the 2025 edition is: “Next Generation Bamboo: Solution, Innovation and Design.”
Nyah explained that the figure was based on research carried out by both local and international experts.
He said bamboo development — from planting and harvesting to processing and use — could create thousands of jobs and income opportunities.
According to him, the bamboo industry can also help diversify the economy, conserve foreign exchange, reduce over-dependence on imports, promote environmental sustainability, and fight climate change.
“A well-planned and properly implemented national bamboo value chain programme could quickly transform Nigeria’s economic landscape,” Nyah said.
He described bamboo as a unique and valuable resource for solving global challenges, including climate change and poverty.
Nyah said bamboo is one of the world’s most versatile and sustainable natural resources.
“It provides eco-friendly building materials, helps restore degraded land, and supports local economies. Once called a poor man’s timber, bamboo is now seen as green gold,” he said.
The NBFPMAN president added that new markets are creating more opportunities to promote bamboo as an alternative to plastics and other harmful materials, while also complementing the wood industry.
He noted that bamboo is now widely used as a substitute for wood in industries such as furniture, construction, paper, textiles, and even for everyday products like toothpicks.
“Bamboo has over 10,000 documented uses, making it one of the most remarkable resources on earth,” Nyah said.
He called for the urgent implementation of a national bamboo value chain development programme to help unlock Nigeria’s economic potential.
“Nigeria should take full advantage of modern bamboo utilization, just as many countries across the world are already doing,” he added.
