Nigerian wine market opens to U.S. exporters, says industry leader

Victor Ikem, the founder of Drinks Revolution Limited and a key figure in Nigeria’s wine and spirits industry, highlighted Nigeria's potential as a prime market for U.S. and California wine exporters. 

Speaking at the 2025 California Wine Tasting Tour Africa in Lagos, he emphasized Nigeria’s rapid economic growth and increasing demand for international wine brands. Ikem noted that with the right strategy, U.S. wineries could establish a strong presence in Nigeria, a market traditionally dominated by European producers.

Ikem also pointed out that changing global trade dynamics, including rising tariffs and tensions between the U.S., Europe, and Asia, have shifted focus to African markets. To succeed, he recommended building relationships with local importers and distributors, ensuring regulatory compliance with NAFDAC, and investing in brand building and consumer education. 

Despite challenges like logistics and shipping costs, Ikem believed the rewards make the effort worthwhile and advocated for wine education initiatives to boost appreciation of U.S. wines.

The California Wine Tasting Tour, covering Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, featured over 150 wines from 15 California wineries. 

It aims to foster trade ties and introduce African markets to California’s wine diversity. Honore Comfort, Vice President of International Marketing at the California Wine Institute, expressed excitement about the Nigerian market and commitment to providing high-quality wines.