Aiyedatiwa Urges Collaborative Action to Revitalize Nigeria’s Cocoa Production
Akure, Nigeria – Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has called for a concerted and innovative approach to tackle the multifaceted challenges confronting cocoa production in Nigeria. Speaking on Wednesday, the Governor specifically highlighted the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change, inefficiencies within the cocoa value chain, and the critical issue of poor succession planning within the sector.
Governor Aiyedatiwa made this compelling appeal while officially opening the two-day National Cocoa Stakeholders’ Workshop and Excellence Award Ceremony. The event, organized by the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) in collaboration with Lutheran World Relief (LWR), convened key stakeholders from across the cocoa value chain, including dedicated farmers, processors, and prominent exporters, at The Dome in Akure, the Ondo State capital. The workshop’s timely and pertinent theme, “Deforestation-Free Cocoa Production and Improved Trade Practices Through Adoption of Sustainable National Traceability System: Key to Industry Growth and Development,” underscored the critical issues at hand.
Expressing his pleasure at hosting such a significant national event, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized Ondo State’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s cocoa production landscape. He stated, “As we convene to deliberate on this very apposite theme, we are reminded of Ondo State’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s cocoa production.”
He further affirmed Ondo State’s preeminent position: “Ondo State remains the leading cocoa-producing state in Nigeria, and we recognize the industry’s immense potential for driving economic growth, effectively reducing poverty, and fostering sustainable development across our communities.” The Governor then outlined a series of proactive initiatives already being implemented by his administration to provide robust support to the vital cocoa sector.
These ongoing efforts include the provision of essential free improved seedlings and fertilizers to farmers, comprehensive training and capacity-building programs, improved access to crucial markets and necessary finance, and a strong emphasis on promoting sustainable agricultural practices throughout the state. However, Governor Aiyedatiwa also drew attention to the significant challenges that persist, including the growing threat of environmental degradation exacerbated by climate change, inefficient and often fragmented market systems, the prevalence of aging farms with declining productivity, and a critical lack of reliable data for informed decision-making within the industry.
In addressing these complex issues, Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed the imperative for collaboration and innovation: “To address these challenges effectively, we must work together to develop innovative solutions, strategically leverage technology, and actively promote sustainable practices across the entire value chain. We simply cannot afford to be left behind in the increasingly competitive global cocoa value chain.” He then issued a direct call to action to all participants: “To all participants, I charge you to engage meaningfully in these deliberations, freely share your valuable knowledge and expertise, and collectively chart a clear path forward for sustainable cocoa production in Nigeria. Let us unite our efforts to address the pressing challenges facing our industry, capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global market, and ensure the long-term sustainability and prosperity of our vital cocoa industry.”
In his welcome address, the National President of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria, Mr. M.O. Abolarinwa, commended Ondo State for its continued leadership role in cocoa production. He described the workshop as a crucial platform for aligning Nigeria’s cocoa sector with evolving international best practices. Mr. Abolarinwa underscored the critical importance of embracing the national traceability system to enhance market access for Nigerian cocoa, particularly in light of increasingly stringent global requirements concerning deforestation-free production and sustainable sourcing.
Representing the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Hajara Usman affirmed the strong commitment of President Bola Tinubu, through his Renewed Hope agenda, to the comprehensive revitalization of Nigeria’s cocoa sector.
