Profitability of Utilizing High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF) in Confectionery/Bakery Firms in Parts of North Central Nigeria

High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF), derived from cassava tubers, is a significant meal component due to its high carbohydrate content and various benefits The study investigated the profitability of using HQCF in confectionery and bakery firms in North Central Nigeria. Data was collected from 78 confectionery and bakery firms and 710 workers using structured questionnaires and analyzed with SPSS 23. The study found that most workers were male (62.8%), aged 21-40 (50%), married (75.6%), and had tertiary education (68.0%). Most earned below ₦100,000 monthly, with additional income sources. Key economic factors included land acquisition (61.3% self-purchased), credit access (85.9% from banks), and external financial assistance (91.0%). Firms awareness of government policies on HQCF was high (87.2%), and profitability was significant, with ₦1 invested generating ₦3.76k in revenue. Market availability and cooperative societies for bakers were crucial for success. The study concluded that using HQCF in confectioneries and bakeries in the FCT, Benue, and Nasarawa states is profitable. It revealed that most firms have been losing profit due to non-compliance with policies requiring the inclusion of HQCF in their products. This non-compliance emanates from lapses in policy enforcement. To address this issue, the government should enforce existing policies through relevant agencies. Furthermore, the government should support HQCF availability, offer more credit access, and provide training programs to ensure the sustainability and profitability of HQCF in Nigeria.