Nigerian Cocoa Farmers Seek Backing to Surpass Ivory Coast, Ghana
Comrade Adeola Adegoke, the National President of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to double its premium cocoa bean production, surpassing the output of Ivory Coast and Ghana by 2026. Adegoke emphasized the importance of supporting smallholder cocoa farmers in achieving this vision, particularly by providing irrigation facilities to ensure year-round cultivation in cocoa-producing states.
He highlighted Nigeria’s abundant resources, including land, a youthful population, research capabilities, fertile soil, diverse cocoa varieties, unique aroma, and the resilience of private sector players, as essential factors contributing to the country’s potential for increased cocoa production.
Meanwhile, members of the National Cocoa Management Committee, established by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, advocated for the establishment of a National Cocoa Board to enhance cocoa production in Nigeria. During a meeting in Akure, Ondo State, the committee discussed strategies to address the impending European Union Regulation Compliance on Deforestation (EUDR) and ensure a transparent and robust cocoa sector.
The EU Deforestation Regulation, set to take effect on December 30, 2024, aims to promote deforestation-free supply chains for commodities like cocoa. Companies must conduct due diligence to ensure traceability, legality, and deforestation-free practices in their cocoa supply chains. Cocoa-producing countries will be categorized based on deforestation risk levels, with companies sourcing from high-risk areas subject to more rigorous due diligence requirements.
In light of these developments, Nigeria’s cocoa sector stakeholders are actively exploring avenues to boost production, enhance sustainability, and align with international regulations to maintain market access and competitiveness.
