By Scout Nelson
A team of leaders from one of Nigeria’s largest flours milling companies recently traveled to Kansas to better understand the U.S. wheat supply chain. The visit took place from June 14 to June 16 and was organized by Kansas Wheat as part of a broader trade mission led by U.S. Wheat Associates (USW).
During their visit, the Nigerian team explored several important locations. They toured the IGP Institute and the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center, where they learned about global trade patterns, rising demand, and new wheat breeding technologies. These advancements aim to improve wheat quality, consistency, and productivity for global markets.
The visitors also stopped at Kansas State University’s agronomy fields to observe ripe wheat crops. This field visit helped them understand how wheat is grown and managed under real conditions. Before leaving Kansas, the group met grain trade experts in Kansas City and toured the Great Plains Analytical Laboratory to see how wheat quality is tested.
“In competitive markets like Nigeria, there is nothing more valuable than connecting the leading flour mills directly with the people working in the U.S. wheat supply chain,” said Domenique Opperman, USW regional program and marketing specialist for the Sub-Saharan Africa Region, who accompanied the team to Kansas. “These face-to-face interactions allow global buyers to gain firsthand insights that reinforce the value that U.S. wheat brings to their operations.”
Nigeria remains the largest buyer of U.S. wheat in Sub-Saharan Africa. Imports rose sharply in the 2025–2026 marketing year to 1.65 million metric tons, more than double the previous year. Despite competition from cheaper wheat sources, Nigeria continues to value U.S. wheat for its consistent quality.
Most imports include hard red winter and hard white wheat, which are ideal for making bread and pasta. “Nigeria is a substantial, but price-sensitive market where U.S. wheat farmers must compete against all of the other world exporters,” said Justin Gilpin, Kansas Wheat CEO. He added that Nigerian millers prefer wheat that produces reliable results under varying conditions.
After Kansas, the team continued their tour to North Dakota and Minnesota. They will use the knowledge gained to make better purchasing decisions in the future.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-bobex-73
Categories: Kansas, Business, Crops, Wheat