Maize (corn) is one of the most widely grown and consumed crops in Nigeria, supporting households, livestock producers, food processors, and export markets. If you are in need of a clear, authoritative breakdown of maize varieties in Nigeria, this guide covers all major types, their maturity periods, nutritional value, and the best maize seed options for Nigerian farmers and bulk buyers
Additionally, we’ve taken the pain to also include the official naming system of each variety, used by the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Samaru–Zaria, for maize varieties that have been developed, tested, and released in Nigeria. Below is the updated maize variety list in Nigeria, including popular code names, maturity period, and best use.
Why Maize Is So Important in Nigeria
For such a foreign crop, it is incredible how maize has become a cultural part of Nigeria’s diet and production system
- Suitable for cultivation across most agro-ecological zones in Nigeria
- Staple food for millions (boiled, roasted, pap, tuwo, ogi)
- Key raw material for animal feed and food processing
- Short growth cycle compared to many cereals
Maize Variety List in Nigeria (Explained Simply)
1. White Maize (Flint Maize)
White maize is the most consumed maize variety in Nigeria.
- Kernel type: Hard (flint)
- Uses: Pap (ogi), tuwo, corn flour, animal feed
- Maturity period: 90–120 days
- Popular regions: North Central, North West, South West
Best for: Medium & large-scale grain buyers
Why farmers like it: High demand, good storage quality, tolerant to handling.
– Official White Maize Variety Code Names
- SAMMAZ 15
- SAMMAZ 27
- SAMMAZ 32
- SAMMAZ 33
- SAMMAZ 63
- SAMMAZ 64
2. Yellow Maize
Yellow maize is nutritionally richer and widely used in feed production than white maize due to its beta-carotene content.
- Uses: Poultry feed, industrial processing, human consumption
- Maize maturity period: 90–110 days
- Key advantage: Higher vitamin A potential
Common buyers: Feed mills, large-scale livestock farmers.
– Common Yellow Maize Code Names
- SAMMAZ 14
- SAMMAZ 16
- SAMMAZ 17
- SAMMAZ 28
- SAMMAZ 34
3. Sweet Maize (Sweet Corn)
Sweet maize is best harvested early and eaten fresh.
- Taste: High sugar content
- Uses: Boiled or roasted corn
- Maturity period: 60–80 days
- Best for: Fresh food and urban retail
– Common Sweet Maize Code Names
- SAMMAZ 45
- SAMMAZ 46
4. Dent Maize
Dent maize is identified by the small dent on each kernel and they are mainly grown for industrial and feed purposes.
- Uses: Animal feed, starch, ethanol, flour
- Maturity period: 100–130 days
- Strength: High yield per hectare
– Common Dent Maize Code Names
- SAMMAZ 29
- SAMMAZ 35
- SAMMAZ 36
5. Popcorn Maize
This is a specialty maize variety with hard kernels, used largely in the food industry.
- Uses: Popcorn production
- Maturity period: 90–110 days
- Market: Snack producers and retailers
– Common Code Names
- SAMMAZ 37
- SAMMAZ 38
6. Quality Protein Maize (QPM)
QPM varieties are typically biofortified for better nutrition.
- Uses: Human nutrition, school feeding programs
- Maturity period: 90–110 days
- Benefit: Improved protein quality
- Advantage: Higher lysine and tryptophan
– Common QPM Code Names
- SAMMAZ 11
- SAMMAZ 12
- SAMMAZ 18
- SAMMAZ 19
7. Hybrid Maize Varieties
Hybrid maize seeds are developed for high yield and disease resistance. They offer the highest yields when managed properly.
- Yield: Very high
- Maturity period: 90–110 days
- Best for: Commercial farming, export, bulk grain supply
- Note: Seeds should not be replanted
– Popular Hybrid Maize Code Names
- SAMMAZ 20
- SAMMAZ 21
- SAMMAZ 22
- SAMMAZ 39
- SAMMAZ 40
8. Open-Pollinated Maize Varieties (OPVs)
Advantage: Seeds can be replanted- Yield: Moderate
- Maturity period: 90–110 days
- Best for: Seed recycling, low-input farming
- Cost: Low and affordable for small farmers
– Common OPV Code Names
- SAMMAZ 1
- SAMMAZ 2
- SAMMAZ 3
- SAMMAZ 4
Best Maize Seed in Nigeria (By Purpose)
Nutrition programs: QPM maize (SAMMAZ 11, 18)
Highest yield: Hybrid maize (SAMMAZ 20–40 series)
Human consumption: White maize (SAMMAZ 15, 32, 63)
Feed production: Yellow maize (SAMMAZ 14, 17, 28)
Maize Maturity Period in Nigeria (Quick Overview)
| Maize Type | Average Maturity Period |
|---|---|
| Sweet maize | 60–80 days |
| White / Yellow maize | 90–120 days |
| Dent maize | 100–130 days |
| Hybrid maize | 90–110 days |
| QPM maize | 90–110 days |
Maize Nutritional Value per 100g
| Nutrient | Approx. Value |
|---|---|
| Energy | 365 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 74 g |
| Protein | 9.4 g |
| Fat | 4.7 g |
| Fiber | 7.3 g |
| Vitamin A | Present (higher in yellow maize) |
| Iron | 2.7 mg |
For Bulk and Export Buyers, We Bring The Best Supply Chain Verdantis Agro
Verdantis Agro is a trusted supplier of farm-fresh maize pulled directly from partner farms and supplied at competitive wholesale prices.
What Sets Us Apart?
- Sourced directly from vetted Nigerian farms
- Best wholesale pricing without middlemen
- Reliable supply for medium & large-scale buyers
- Fast, local delivery across Nigeria
- Export-ready maize for global markets
Whether you need maize for processing, feed mills, bulk trading, or export, we will always deliver the kind of supply consistency you can scale with.
FAQs About Our Maize Varieties in Nigeria
Absolutely. we offer rich, natural shea butter that meets local and international quality standards for cosmetic, food, and industrial use.
Yes, we specialize in bulk sourcing, logistics, and export documentation for international buyers.
But of course we do. In addition to maize, we supply over 20+ healthy and unadulterated agricultural products and other export-grade commodities.. As a matter of fact, we are the fastest growing agricultural product wholesaler in Nigeria.
Maize is grown across most states, especially in Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Plateau, Oyo, Ogun, Kano, and Taraba.
There are eight major maize categories and over 30 officially released maize varieties in Nigeria, developed primarily by the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Samaru–Zaria, and approved through Nigeria’s national variety release system.
Honestly, this answer depends on your goals but for commercial farming and bulk supply, hybrid maize and white flint maize are the best-performing options in the country.
Maize is typically planted between March and July, depending on rainfall and region.
Harvesting usually occurs June to October, based on planting time and maize maturity period.
For maize traders and commercial maize users in Nigeria,
Always bear in mind, that whenever you are researching maize varieties in Nigeria, looking for the best maize seed in Nigeria, or sourcing farm-fresh maize at wholesale prices, Verdantis Agro stands out as a reliable, scalable partner for local and global markets.