Sesame seed, popularly known in many parts of Nigeria as beniseed, is steadily emerging as one of the country’s most promising agricultural commodities. Though it may not enjoy the same public attention as cocoa, rice or cassava, sesame has become an important source of income for farmers, traders, processors and exporters. With rising global demand for edible oils, bakery ingredients, confectionery products, health foods and cosmetics, Nigeria is well positioned to expand sesame cultivation and strengthen its place in the international export market. Nigeria is already recognised as one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of sesame. The crop is cultivated largely in the northern and North-Central parts of the country, particularly in Nasarawa, Benue, Jigawa, Kano, Kogi, Katsina, Gombe, Plateau and Yobe states. The Nigerian Export Promotion Council reports that about 80 per cent of Nigeria’s sesame production is exported, while the country’s sesame is valued for its high oil content, relatively low moisture level and strong potential to meet international purity standards. Sesame is a short-duration crop, usually reaching maturity within 90 to 110 days after planting. This makes it attractive to farmers because it can fit into different cropping systems and, in suitable locations, may be cultivated more than once within a planting season. It is also relatively tolerant of dry conditions compared with many other crops, making it suitable for areas with moderate rainfall and well-drained soils. Agricultural experts recommend sandy-loam soils, improved seed varieties, proper spacing, timely weeding, appropriate fertiliser use and effective pest control for better yields. The cultivation process begins with land preparation. Farmers should clear the land early and prepare a fine seedbed because sesame seeds are small and require good soil contact for germination. Planting should coincide with the onset of reliable rainfall, although the exact period differs across production zones. Seeds should be planted in rows to make weeding, fertiliser application and harvesting easier. The use of certified and improved seeds is particularly important, as it can improve germination, reduce disease incidence and raise productivity. Weed control is one of the most important aspects of sesame farming. Sesame seedlings grow slowly during the early stages and can easily be overwhelmed by weeds. Farmers must therefore weed regularly, especially within the first few weeks after planting. Pest and disease management is equally important. Although sesame is generally hardy, insect attacks, fungal diseases and poor farm hygiene can reduce yield and affect seed quality. Extension services, farmer cooperatives and agricultural research institutions have a major role to play in educating farmers on improved cultivation practices. Harvesting must be done carefully because sesame capsules can shatter easily when they become too dry, leading to losses. Experts advise harvesting when about 75 per cent of the capsules have turned brown. After harvesting, the plants are usually tied in bundles and allowed to dry before threshing. The seeds must then be properly cleaned, sorted and dried. Export-quality sesame requires low moisture content, as excessive moisture can encourage mould growth, contamination and rejection by foreign buyers. Proper drying to around 10 per cent moisture content is considered important for preserving quality and meeting export requirements. Nigeria’s export potential in sesame is significant. The seed is used internationally for the production of edible oil, tahini, bakery products, snacks, confectionery, sesame flour and animal feed. Its oil is also used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and soap production. Nigerian sesame is particularly attractive because of its high oil content, with the NEPC noting that the country produces raw sesame seed with a minimum oil content of about 45 per cent. Major export destinations for Nigerian sesame include countries in Asia and the Middle East, where the commodity is processed into food and industrial products. China, Japan, Turkey and other Asian markets have historically been important buyers. The export trade has also created opportunities for commodity aggregators, warehouse operators, transporters, processors and exporters. Recent data cited by the NEPC showed that sesame ranked third among Nigeria’s top 20 export products in 2024, accounting for more than 337,825 metric tonnes and 4.63 per cent of total export volume. However, Nigeria has yet to fully maximise the value of sesame. A large share of the commodity is still exported in raw form, meaning that much of the higher value from processing is captured outside the country. There is a need to encourage investment in cleaning, hulling, roasting, oil extraction, packaging and branding. Processed sesame products can command better prices, create jobs and reduce dependence on raw commodity exports. The presence of processing facilities such as those operated by wacot.ng demonstrates the possibilities available when private investment is linked with farmer sourcing, quality control and export certification. For Nigeria to expand its sesame export earnings, several challenges must be addressed. These include low yields among smallholder farmers, limited access to improved seeds, inadequate rural roads, poor storage facilities, insecurity in farming communities, inconsistent quality standards and limited access to finance. Smallholder farmers dominate the sector, accounting for more than 90 per cent of production, making it necessary to organise them into cooperatives that can access inputs, training, credit and structured markets. Government agencies, state governments and private investors should also support traceability systems, modern warehouses, quality-testing laboratories and export certification. International buyers increasingly demand products that meet strict standards on moisture, purity, pesticide residues and food safety. Nigerian exporters who can consistently meet these requirements will be better positioned to win repeat orders and secure premium prices. Sesame seed cultivation offers Nigeria an opportunity to diversify its economy, improve rural livelihoods and earn foreign exchange outside crude oil. With better farm practices, stronger processing capacity, reliable infrastructure and improved quality control, beniseed can become one of Nigeria’s most valuable agricultural exports. The task is not merely to produce more sesame, but to produce cleaner, better graded and value-added sesame products that can compete successfully in the global market.