Nigeria targets cocoa value chain revival with new national cocoa management board
Nigeria aims to become a global cocoa processor as the government launches new reforms to boost production and sustainability.
NIGERIA – Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to reviving the country’s cocoa industry and the broader agricultural value chain.
He stated that the administration is determined to shift Nigeria’s position from being merely a cocoa producer to a global processor of cocoa.
Speaking during a visit by a delegation from the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), Senator Shettima emphasised the strategic goal of promoting sustainable cocoa farming and forest preservation while enhancing the country’s role in global cocoa processing.
“We don’t want to be producers of cocoa; we want to be processors of cocoa,” the Vice President said. “A tonne of cocoa will fetch you US$9,000 now, but processed cocoa will get you US$30,000.”
In line with this agenda, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently approved the establishment of the National Cocoa Management Board (NCMB).
Chris Vincent, President of the World Cocoa Foundation, described the move as a step toward returning to the drawing board to reposition Nigeria’s cocoa sector.
Senator Shettima expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential, citing the availability of capable young people ready to embrace opportunities in agriculture.
He added that the revival of the cocoa industry forms part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which includes revitalising all agricultural value chains.
“The President is fully committed to revitalising not only the cocoa industry but all aspects of the agricultural sector,” he said. “We used to be one of the world’s leading cocoa producers, but the discovery of oil shifted focus. Now we must reclaim that lost glory.”
The Vice President also shared plans to lead by example, disclosing that he is currently developing a cocoa farm. He noted that the initiative is driven by a desire to support the nation’s welfare, rather than for profit.
In support of industry expansion, Shettima pledged Nigeria’s willingness to work closely with the WCF. He promised to personally engage the governor of Taraba State to secure 10,000 hectares of land in Kurmi Local Government Area for cocoa farming investments.
The renewed efforts coincide with a surge in Nigeria’s cocoa exports, which rose over sevenfold between 2023 and 2024, reaching ₦2.7 trillion (US$1.7 billion). This increase has been attributed to higher global demand and currency depreciation.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
