The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of essential oils on the germination potential and protein content of cowpea seeds during storage for twelve months. Seeds were treated with different concentration of essential oils extracted from clove, eucalyptus, ginger and peppermint at the beginning of the storage. The oil treated seeds showed 59.6% and 41.1% higher germination potential and protein content respectively compared to untreated seeds at the end of the storage period.