FG partners World Cocoa Foundation, targets global market

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to revamping Nigeria’s cocoa industry, declaring that the Tinubu administration is determined to reposition the country from being a mere cocoa producer to a major processor of cocoa products.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), led by its president, Mr. Chris Vincent, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the vice president noted that cocoa remains a vital resource for economic diversification and youth employment.

“We used to be one of the world’s leading cocoa producers before the oil boom pushed us to the background. Now, with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are going back to the drawing board,” Senator Shettima stated.

Highlighting recent developments, the Vice President revealed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of a National Cocoa Management Board (NCMB) to oversee and drive sustainable development in the sector.

Shettima emphasized the financial potential in cocoa processing, stating that while a tonne of raw cocoa currently sells for $9,000, processed cocoa fetches up to $30,000, and chocolate products can go as high as $50,000 per tonne.

“We don’t want to be just producers of cocoa anymore; we want to become processors,” he declared. “We have the manpower — the average age in Nigeria is 17. Our youth are willing to work if given the opportunity.”

Shettima expressed enthusiasm about partnering with the WCF and disclosed that he is personally investing in a cocoa farm to demonstrate leadership and inspire others.

The Vice President also pledged support for the Foundation’s expansion plans, assuring that he would engage the Governor of Taraba State to secure 10,000 hectares of land in Kurmi Local Government Area for cocoa cultivation and development initiatives.

On his part, WCF President Mr. Chris Vincent praised the federal government’s renewed focus on agriculture and confirmed the foundation’s readiness to work with Nigeria, especially in aligning with European Union sustainable cocoa production standards.

Vincent added that with global cocoa supply dwindling and prices having quadrupled in the past three years, Nigeria is strategically positioned to become a key global player in the cocoa value chain.

Editing by Omolola Ameen