By Ayomide Otitoju
Mrs. Jennifer Eric, Managing Director and CEO of Eric Genny Food, producers of the Erygenes Food brand, has called on the Nigerian government and citizens to increase their support for locally made food products. She said such support is critical for improving public health and strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
In an interview, Eric highlighted the health benefits of her company’s signature product—tiger nut swallow—which she said has been used by over 500 individuals managing diabetes, many of whom reported notable health improvements.
“Tiger nut is rich in fiber and essential minerals that enhance immunity and overall body function,” she said. “It’s a healthier alternative to conventional swallows popular in Nigerian diets.”
She noted that the company also produces rice flour, plantain flour, and other health-focused food products aimed at combating chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. She emphasized that the tiger nut swallow is also suitable for children, with packaging designed for convenience and nutrition.
“Many of our products, like the ‘ori plantain’ flour, are high in fiber and particularly effective for managing lifestyle-related illnesses,” she added.
Despite growing demand, Eric said local producers face serious operational challenges. Chief among them is Nigeria’s unreliable power supply and the rising cost of raw materials, which have driven up production costs and squeezed profit margins.
“Power is our biggest challenge,” she lamented. “We used to spend ₦100,000 to power operations for three weeks; now it barely lasts a few days.”
She added that many local raw material suppliers have shut down or relocated to countries like Ghana and Kenya, further increasing the cost burden for Nigerian manufacturers.
According to Eric, Nigerian-made products struggle to compete with cheaper imported alternatives—often made with Nigerian raw materials but processed abroad. “Our tiger nut swallow costs ₦2,500 to produce, but imported versions are sold for as low as ₦800,” she said, noting that her company’s profit margins have dropped from 30% to just 15%. “Three years ago, we made ₦17 million in production revenue. Now, hitting ₦5 million is a struggle.”
Eric criticized the lack of government support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the food and agricultural sectors.
“I’ve been in this business for 15 years and haven’t received any form of government assistance,” she said. “Meanwhile, countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa prioritize their local industries. Their governments ensure that local products are widely consumed and promoted.”
She called on the Nigerian government to implement policies that promote food transparency, safety, and support for agriculture-based SMEs, emphasizing the country’s vast potential in the sector.
“Nigeria has the best tiger nuts—superior to those from Egypt or Niger. We need to harness our agricultural wealth,” she said. “Supporting local food producers is not just an economic necessity; it’s a matter of national health and food security.”
