Niger oil is extracted from the seeds of Guizotia abyssinica, commonly known as Niger seed. It is a light, pale yellow oil with a mild taste and high linoleic acid content, making it nutritionally valuable. Traditionally, Niger oil is used in cooking, frying, and salad dressings, particularly in Ethiopia and India. It is also blended with other edible oils to enhance stability and flavour.

Beyond food, Niger oil finds use in soaps, paints, and as an illuminant in rural households. The oil is easily digestible and often chosen in diets prioritizing natural and unrefined fats. The residual cake after oil extraction serves as a protein-rich feed for livestock. With growing demand for specialty and ethnic oils, Niger oil is gaining recognition in international markets. Its production supports smallholder farmers, especially in semi-arid regions where the crop thrives with minimal inputs.