The Ondo State Government has stated that adulteration of cocoa beans compromises quality, leads to loss of premium value, and attracts discounts on Nigerian produce in the global market.
Chief Segun Odusanya, Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, made this known on Saturday in Akure while addressing journalists on the government’s commitment to tackling adulteration.
Odusanya explained that the ministry recently seized adulterants in Ireje community, located in Ondo East Local Government Area of the state.
“Ondo State, being the highest cocoa-producing state in Nigeria, is severely affected by these activities, which tarnish both the state’s and the country’s reputation in the international market.
“We will continue the fight against adulteration. Although it remains a significant challenge, we will not relent until the state is free from this harmful practice.
“Meanwhile, the recent arrest of a female suspect, who specialises in supplying adulterants, is a step forward. She will face the full weight of the law in accordance with the produce regulations,” he said.
Odusanya called on residents to collaborate with the government to eliminate the menace, which he described as detrimental to the state’s and nation’s credibility in international trade.
Also Read: Ondo Cracks Down on Cocoa Adulteration, Seizes Truckload of Contaminants
Also speaking, Mr Sunday Dosumu, Director of Produce Licensing in the ministry, explained that the female suspect was apprehended by the zero-tolerance task force on adulteration during a routine patrol in Ireje community.
“The suspect was found in possession of bags of dried kolanut that had been cut into smaller pieces. These contain nicotine, which compromises the quality of cocoa beans.
“She also had bags of fresh and dried cocoa pods that had been cut into smaller parts,” he said.
Dosumu expressed concern over the actions of certain cocoa merchants, noting that despite widespread awareness campaigns, some individuals persist in adulteration.
According to him, the primary motive behind the practice is to artificially increase weight and maximise profit by adding foreign particles to cocoa beans a development he described as detrimental to the produce trade.
