Nigeria's Hidden Coffee Treasures: Is This the Next Big Thing in Specialty Coffee?

When we think of African coffee, we often think of the floral cup profiles of Ethiopia or the berry tartness of Kenya. But further west on the African continent, something exciting is bubbling. Nigeria , Africa's most populous country, is coming to life as a "hidden gem" on the coffee map.

After decades in the shadow of tea, cocoa and the country's dominant oil industry, coffee enthusiasts and global roasters are now starting to turn their attention to Nigeria. For roasters looking for unique character and new flavor experiences, Nigerian coffee may well be the answer. Join us at Hallå Kafferosteri as we explore a changing coffee market!

A story of decline – and a new beginning

Coffee was actually a major export (a so-called cash crop ) for Nigerian farmers during the 20th century, with production peaks in the late 1960s and mid-1980s. However, in the 2000s, there was a drastic decline. Between 2006 and 2021, the country's coffee production halved, and today coffee makes up less than 0.01% of Nigeria's total agricultural exports.

Why did this happen? Lack of government support, limited market access and a local culture where cheap instant coffee (soluble coffee) has long dominated the cityscape in cities like Lagos meant that many farmers abandoned their coffee farms.

But the coffee world is changing. According to a survey by Perfect Daily Grind , a whopping 56% of the world’s coffee roasters say their top priority right now is finding new, unique and differentiated countries of origin. This is where Nigeria’s potential comes into play.

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From robusta to rare arabica in the highlands

Historically, Nigeria has been a pure Robusta country. Robusta still accounts for around 90–94% of coffee exports and is grown in 14 different states in the country (including Oyo, Ondo and Kogi).

But what's really making the specialty coffee world open its eyes are the country's hidden arabica plantations .

There are over 800 hectares of scattered arabica farms in Nigeria, mainly located in the cooler highlands such as Taraba and the Jos Plateau . Here, small-scale farmers grow coffee at high altitudes in unique microclimates. The challenge has long been a lack of infrastructure and small volumes – meaning that any harvest that actually reaches outside the country’s borders is essentially an exclusive microlot.

What does Nigerian coffee taste like?

As the documentation of Nigerian Arabica is still in its infancy, there is no “standardized” flavor profile yet. However, pioneers of the local specialty coffee movement (such as brands Happy Coffee and Mai Shayi ) describe Arabica from the Taraba region as offering a surprising and elegant profile:

• Aroma: Clearly floral notes.

• Tasting notes: Deep chocolate in the base, balanced by a fresh and lively fruitiness.

The local coffee revolution in Lagos

As highland farmers are being given better tools, a huge shift is taking place in Nigeria’s cities. In cities like Lagos, for example, coffee culture has shifted from being just about mobile coffee carts to embracing modern specialty coffee shops. The younger generation is demanding traceable coffee, artisanal roasting and high-quality brewing methods.

This creates a virtuous circle: as local demand for quality coffee increases, the country's farmers are motivated to invest more in their coffee plantations and focus on quality over quantity.

The future of Nigeria on the coffee map

There is no doubt that Nigeria still faces major challenges in terms of logistics, processing and volumes. But the potential is enormous. Revitalizing the Nigerian coffee sector requires collaboration between local farmers, investors and global specialty coffee roasters who are willing to give new origins a chance.

We at Hälla Kafferosteri keep an extra watchful eye on this region. Discovering a "new" coffee country is not just about finding exciting flavor profiles for your cup – it's also about helping to build a sustainable future for the farmers who dare to invest in quality.

Would you like to try a Nigerian Arabica with chocolate and fruit notes? Share your thoughts in the comments, or check out our current range of freshly roasted beans from more established specialty coffee countries in the online store!

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Have a nice day!

/ Kaj and Dan, Hälla Coffee Roastery