WACOT Nigeria pays sustainability bonuses to 2,062 Osun cocoa farmers
TGI Group rewards traceable, deforestation-free cocoa practices as EU grants 12-month EUDR delay.
NIGERIA – WACOT Limited, the agro-allied arm of Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, has distributed over N158 million (US$109.21k) in Sustainability Differential Payments (SDP) to 2,062 cocoa farmers across Osun State, Nigeria.
The payments reward farmers who meet strict sustainability standards, including good agricultural practices, full traceability, and environmental protection measures. In 2024 alone, WACOT disbursed more than N150 million (US$91,400) in similar bonuses to over 3,500 farmers in 28 Osun communities.
The latest disbursement took place during the “Rewarding Commitment: Cocoa Premium and Farmer Appreciation Event” held on November 13, 2025. At the ceremony, 57 standout farmers received additional recognition awards totalling N5.8 million for exceptional performance.
Yosola Onanuga, TGI Group Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, praised the farmers’ dedication to quality and consistency.
“You are very important to us. Thank you for your commitment in delivering the cocoa quality we need. We are here to support you and extend gratitude to everyone in this cocoa family,” she told the gathering.
The programme uses digital payment platforms to transfer funds directly, promoting financial inclusion among unbanked and underbanked rural farmers while ensuring transparency and security.
Beneficiary Olaosun Rebecca testified to the impact, saying WACOT’s support with inputs and extension services had dramatically improved yields.
“Since WACOT arrived, they have helped us tremendously with medicine and training. Our cocoa plantations are now yielding great harvests. May God continue to bless WACOT,” she said.
WACOT’s initiative aligns with growing global demand for responsibly sourced cocoa, especially as the European Union recently voted to postpone the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by 12 months.
Originally scheduled to take effect at the end of 2025, the regulation bans commodities linked to deforestation from entering the EU market. The delay gives producers additional time to meet traceability and compliance requirements.
TGI Group continues to emphasise local sourcing, community empowerment, and value addition across its operations in Nigeria and other emerging markets.
Through sustained investment in farmer training, digital tools, and premium payments for sustainable practices, WACOT aims to make cocoa farming more profitable and environmentally responsible while securing high-quality supply for domestic and export customers.
The Osun payments underline the company’s long-term strategy to build a resilient, traceable cocoa value chain that benefits farmers, communities, and international buyers alike.
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