What Can I Do or Plant on an Acre of Land in Nigeria?
An acre of land in Nigeria measures approximately 4,047 square meters or 6 standard plots (each being 60 by 120 feet). If you’re asking, “What can I plant on an acre of land?” — the answer depends on your goals, location, and soil type, but one thing is certain: an acre gives you enough space to run a profitable farm if properly managed.
Whether you’re a beginner or expanding your farming investment, this guide will show you high-yielding and profitable crops to plant on one acre of land in Nigeria.
1. Cassava
Cassava is one of the most cultivated crops in Nigeria, especially in the South-West and South-East. One acre can take 10,000–12,000 cassava stems, depending on spacing.
Estimated Profit (12–15 months):
₦1.5M–₦2.5M (depending on location, variety, and market price)
Best suited for:
Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Edo, Kogi, Benue, Delta
2. Maize (Corn)
Maize is a short-cycle crop that matures in 90–120 days, allowing for 2–3 cycles per year on the same acre if irrigation is available.
Planting Capacity per Acre:
20,000–25,000 maize stands (at 25cm x 75cm spacing)
Potential Returns (per harvest):
₦500,000–₦800,000 depending on input cost and scale
Best suited for:
Kaduna, Plateau, Kwara, Ekiti, Niger, Abuja
3. Vegetables (Ugu, Pepper, Okra, Tomatoes)
Vegetables are perfect for small-scale, high-income farming. With irrigation and proper nursery practices, an acre can generate fast turnover and regular income.
Common Vegetables for Acre-Scale Farming:
Ugu (Fluted Pumpkin)
Okra
Tomatoes
Tete (Amaranthus)
Shoko
Green Pepper
Profit Estimate (per crop cycle):
₦700,000–₦2.5M per acre depending on crop and market
Best suited for:
Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Kano, Plateau, Enugu
4. Plantain
You can plant about 800–1,000 plantain suckers on an acre of land depending on spacing. Once planted, it produces annually for 3–5 years.
First-Year Yield:
₦1M–₦1.8M
(Subsequent years require less input)
Best suited for:
Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, Delta, Edo
5. Oil Palm (Long-Term Investment)
With an acre, you can plant 55–70 oil palm trees depending on spacing (standard is 9m x 9m). Oil palm is a long-term investment but can generate consistent income for over 25 years.
First harvest begins: 3–4 years
Full maturity yield: ₦1.5M–₦3M annually per acre (after year 5)
Best suited for:
Ondo, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa
6. Cocoa
An acre of land can contain 450–600 cocoa trees (spacing 3m x 3m). Cocoa farming is best for those seeking a long-term export-oriented investment.
Maturity starts: 3–4 years
Yield Potential after maturity: ₦1.5M–₦3M per year per acre
Best suited for:
Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Cross River, Ogun, Kogi
7. Cashew
Cashew trees can be planted at 6m x 6m spacing, giving room for about 120–150 trees per acre. Like cocoa and oil palm, cashew is also a long-term crop with low maintenance needs.
Revenue potential (after 3–4 years):
₦1M–₦2M annually per acre
Best suited for:
Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Osun
Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing What to Plant
Soil type and pH – Conduct a soil test before planting
Access to water – Especially for vegetables and maize
Market demand – What crops sell fastest in your region?
Land location – Some crops are location-specific
Your farming goal – Are you farming for cash flow or long-term value?
Ready to Start Your Own Farm?
Whether you want to plant short-term crops like maize or long-term investments like cocoa or oil palm, one acre is more than enough to launch a profitable farm.
For farmland offers, feasibility studies, and expert consultation:
Call Samuel: +2349065705190, +2348067268043
Visit: www.newwinerealty.com.ng© 2025 Samuel Omoniyi, Lead Consultant, Newwine Realty Limited
