Nigeria stands to generate $22 billion in annual revenue by fully developing its bamboo value chain, from cultivation to processing and marketing, according to the National Bamboo Farmers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NBFPMAN), a figure backed by global and domestic research that could create thousands of jobs and bolster economic diversification.

NBFPMAN President Ukeme Nyah shared the projection during World Bamboo Day celebrations on September 18, 2025, in Abuja, under the theme "Next Generation Bamboo: Solution, Innovation and Design." He highlighted bamboo's potential to combat climate change, restore degraded lands, conserve foreign exchange, cut import reliance, and foster environmental sustainability, positioning it as a transformative "green gold" for the nation's economy.

Nyah described bamboo as one of the planet's most versatile resources, with over 10,000 documented uses, evolving from "poor man’s timber" to a key substitute for wood in furniture, construction, pulp and paper, fabrics, and even toothpicks. Emerging markets further elevate its role as an eco-friendly alternative to plastics and other harmful materials, he noted, urging a national program to harness these opportunities through propagation, planting, harvesting, and utilization.

The association's call aligns with global trends where countries like China and India have turned bamboo into multi-billion-dollar industries. In Nigeria, where bamboo grows abundantly in regions like the northeast and south-south, experts estimate untapped potential in exports and local manufacturing. Nyah advocated for vigorous exploration of modern applications, emphasizing faithful implementation to rapidly reshape the economic landscape and support poverty reduction.

While challenges like limited processing infrastructure persist, NBFPMAN's vision promises not just revenue but broader impacts: job creation for rural communities, reduced deforestation, and enhanced resilience against environmental threats.