Value Chain Governance and Upgrading Opportunities for Nigerian Sesame Exporters

This study examines the governance structures and upgrading opportunities within the global sesame value chain for Nigerian exporters, applying global value chain analysis to identify how Nigerian actors can capture higher shares of value and improve competitive position. Nigeria is among the world's top sesame exporters, yet the country's value capture is limited primarily to raw commodity export with minimal processing or branding. Global value chain governance structures, which determine how lead firms in the chain control standards, price, and upgrading pathways, significantly shape the opportunities available to Nigerian exporters. This study uses a qualitative and quantitative mixed-method GVC analysis, combining key informant interviews with 40 Nigerian sesame exporters, traders, and sector associations with analysis of UNCOMTRADE bilateral trade data, quality standard documentation, and international buyer survey data. GVC governance type, standard compliance requirements, and upgrading potential across product, process, functional, and chain dimensions are assessed. Findings reveal that the Nigerian sesame GVC is characterised by a market governance structure with limited lead firm coordination, which reduces standard upgrading pressure but also limits access to embedded technical assistance from buyers. Product upgrading through hulled sesame and sesame oil processing offers the highest value addition potential. The study contributes an original GVC governance analysis for Nigerian sesame and recommends targeted support for product upgrading investments and quality certification compliance.

Keywords: global value chain, sesame exports, Nigeria, chain governance, value upgrading.