Assessment of Nursery Industry Structure and Challenges in Lagos State, South West Nigeria

The horticultural nursery industry forms the foundation of vegetable, fruit, and ornamental plant value chains in Nigeria. In Lagos State, the nursery industry has expanded rapidly in response to growing demand from urban households, landscaping firms, commercial farms, and real estate developers. Despite its growth, the nursery industry in Lagos remains largely informal, fragmented, and under-documented. This study assesses the structure, production systems, quality control practices, and business challenges of horticultural nurseries operating in Lagos State. A survey of 75 registered and informal nurseries across Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, and Epe local government areas was conducted using structured questionnaires and direct observation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and value chain analysis tools. Results indicate that the majority of nurseries are micro-enterprises with annual turnovers below N2 million, employing fewer than five workers. Only 18 percent of surveyed nurseries maintain formal pest and disease management protocols. Access to high-quality planting material, skilled labor, and irrigation infrastructure were the most frequently cited operational constraints. The study recommends the establishment of a Lagos State Nursery Industry Association and a state-run horticultural nursery certification program to improve industry standards and market access. Keywords: nursery industry, horticultural production, Lagos State, plant quality, enterprise development