LONDON (June 2) — The government of Nigeria has joined the International Rubber Study Group, the industry organization announced June 2.
Despite a declining rubber area, Nigeria may have the largest area under rubber in Africa at an estimated 145,000 hectares, the IRSG said. It is likely, however, that less than one-third of the land may be considered as viable for rubber production, the group said.
Much of the rubber is thought to be old with low yields, and would benefit from replanting, the IRSG said.
Under a presidential initiative of the Nigerian Government, 20,000 hectares per year for ten years will be acquired with a goal of developing the nation as a major producer and exporter of natural rubber. NR consumption is around 16,000 metric tons per year, while synthetic rubber consumption is around 5,000 metric tons per year, according to the IRSG.