The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s cocoa industry and rejuvenating the broader agricultural value chain.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima gave the assurance on Monday during a meeting with a delegation from the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), led by its President, Mr Chris Vincent, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Shettima restated the Tinubu administration’s resolve to transform Nigeria from a cocoa-producing nation into a global hub for cocoa processing.
He noted that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had recently approved the establishment of a National Cocoa Management Board (NCMB) to drive the sector’s revival.
Highlighting the administration’s focus on sustainable cocoa farming and environmental conservation, the Vice-President stressed the importance of value addition through local processing.
“Nigeria was once among the leading cocoa producers globally, but the discovery of oil diverted attention from agriculture. The President is committed to restoring that legacy by revitalising the cocoa sector and the entire agricultural value chain,” Shettima said.
He pointed out that the global rise in cocoa prices aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s ambition to reposition the sector.
“The creation of the NCMB is a critical step towards strengthening the cocoa value chain and promoting investment,” he added.
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Shettima emphasised the need for Nigeria to shift from raw cocoa exports to domestic processing, noting the economic benefits of value addition.
“A tonne of raw cocoa may sell for $9,000, but processed cocoa could earn $30,000. If turned into chocolate, the value could reach $50,000. That’s the kind of transformation we seek,” he said.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s youthful demographic as a potential driver of agricultural growth, saying:
“The average Nigerian is 17 years old vibrant, willing, and capable. Given the right opportunity, they can drive this transformation.”
To demonstrate leadership by example, Shettima disclosed that he is personally investing in cocoa farming.
“This initiative is not for profit but to create jobs and improve livelihoods. I invite you to visit my farm proof that Nigeria’s leaders are invested in the success of this vision.”
He further pledged to collaborate with the Taraba State Government to secure 10,000 hectares of land for cocoa cultivation to support WCF and other stakeholders in expanding investment in the sector.
In his remarks, WCF President, Chris Vincent, expressed the organisation’s readiness to partner with Nigeria in alignment with the European Union’s sustainable cocoa standards.
“We are facing a global cocoa shortage. Prices have quadrupled over the past three years. There’s a pressing need for new, sustainable sources. Nigeria’s ambition is timely and encouraging.
“With the current supply gap, the next two to three years offer real opportunities for growth,” Vincent stated.
