Nigeria launches distribution of 1M hybrid cocoa seedlings to boost production 

NIGERIA – Nigeria has launched the distribution of one million improved hybrid cocoa seedlings under its National Cocoa Development Plan, marking a major step in efforts to revitalise the country’s cocoa industry, improve farmer incomes, increase export earnings and create employment opportunities across the value chain.  

The initiative, led by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, forms part of the government’s broader strategy to transform agriculture into a key driver of economic growth and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global cocoa market.  

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari described the programme as a strategic intervention designed to restore the country’s cocoa production capacity.  

“Today’s event is not merely the distribution of planting materials. It is the commencement of a strategic national intervention to restore the strength of Nigeria’s cocoa industry, improve the livelihoods of our farmers, increase export earnings, and reposition our country as a leading player in the global cocoa economy,” Kyari said.  

The minister noted that Nigeria possesses favourable ecological conditions, experienced cocoa farmers, established research institutions and an expanding private sector, giving the country the potential to become one of the world’s leading cocoa producers.  

However, he said the sector continues to face significant challenges, including ageing plantations, declining productivity, inadequate investment, limited access to improved planting materials, climate-related pressures and weak value addition.  

According to Kyari, these constraints have reduced Nigeria’s competitiveness in international markets and limited cocoa’s contribution to national economic development.  

To address these challenges, the Federal Government is implementing policies focused on improving productivity, sustainability, financing, research, extension services, market access and value addition.  

“Our objective is clear. We must build a modern, resilient, and globally competitive cocoa industry that delivers prosperity for farmers while contributing significantly to national development,” Kyari said.  

He explained that the nationwide programme centres on the distribution of one million improved cocoa seedlings developed by the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN).  

“The seedlings are high-yielding, mature earlier, and have built-in disease resistance and climate adaptation traits. They will be deployed for the rehabilitation of ageing plantations and the establishment of new commercial cocoa farms across the country,” he said.  

Kyari added that the government will complement the seedling distribution with extension services to promote improved agronomic practices while expanding local cocoa processing capacity to encourage value addition and attract greater private sector investment.  

“I encourage you to adopt recommended agronomic practices, work closely with extension officers, and embrace innovations that will improve productivity and sustainability,” the minister told cocoa farmers.  

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