Nigeria is the largest producer of Gum Arabic in West Africa, and also the third largest world producer and exporter after Sudan and Chad. There are over 1,100 Acacia species worldwide. However Acacia Senegal and Acacia Seyal are the most commercially exploited species. Nigeria has three grades of Gum Arabic; Acacia Senegal (grade 1) Acacia Seyal (Grade 2) and Combretum (Grade 3). In the acacia gum trade, the quality of gum from Acacia seyal trees is generally considered as inferior to gum from Acacia senegal trees. Hence, Gum Arabic from acacia Senegal command premium price.