Nigeria seeks to establish national cocoa management board to strengthen cocoa sector
The proposed board aims to coordinate the cocoa value chain and boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
NIGERIA – Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has requested the approval of the House of Representatives for the creation of a National Cocoa Management Board to regulate and promote cocoa activities across the country.
The request was conveyed through a letter read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen during plenary on Wednesday. Tinubu noted that the proposal was submitted in line with Section 58 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The President said the establishment of the Board would enhance effective coordination of the cocoa value chain, improve quality standards and reinforce Nigeria’s role in the global cocoa economy.
He urged lawmakers to consider the National Cocoa Management Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025, emphasising its importance to national economic priorities.
According to Tinubu, the proposed board would strengthen oversight across the cocoa industry, harmonise production practices, and raise export competitiveness.
“The creation of the board will enhance coordination across the cocoa sector, raise production and export standards, and boost Nigeria’s participation in the global cocoa economy,” he stated.
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to revitalising agriculture as a central pillar of economic diversification. He highlighted the significance of cocoa as a major contributor to Nigeria’s non-oil revenue and expressed confidence in the legislature’s support for reforms designed to strengthen the agricultural sector.
“While I trust that the House will give expeditious consideration to this bill, please accept, Rt. Hon. Speaker, the assurances of my highest regards,” he wrote.
The President’s request follows record earnings from cocoa exports in the first quarter of 2025. According to investment firm Norrenberger, cocoa export receipts surged to N1.23 trillion (US$800.2 million) between January and March, representing a 220% increase from N384.1 billion (US$249.9 million) recorded during the same period in 2024.
Meanwhile, the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) forecasts a turnaround in the global cocoa market. For the 2024/25 season, the ICCO projects a 142,000-metric-tonne surplus, ending a four-year period of deficits.
The surplus is expected to result from a 7.8% rise in global output to 4.84 million tonnes, while grindings are anticipated to decline by 4.8% to 4.65 million tonnes amid reduced demand linked to elevated prices.
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