The Nigerian cocoa farming community, represented by the Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa, Nigeria Chapter, and the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, has expressed profound gratitude for President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the National Cocoa Management Committee (NCMC), effectively establishing a dedicated regulatory board for the cocoa industry. This decision, long awaited by farmers and stakeholders, marks a significant step towards revitalizing the Nigerian cocoa sector and addressing the challenges faced by cocoa producers. For over five years, the industry has advocated for a regulatory body focused solely on development and regulation, separate from marketing functions, to provide targeted support to farmers grappling with fluctuating cocoa prices. The establishment of the NCMC fulfills this crucial need and signals a commitment to strengthening the industry’s foundations.
The NCMC’s primary mandate is to bolster cocoa regulation, production, and productivity, directly incentivizing farmers whose livelihoods are often precarious due to volatile global market conditions. This focus on farmer welfare is critical given Nigeria’s current standing in the global cocoa landscape. While the country ranks seventh globally and fourth in Africa, according to the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), there is a strong belief that Nigeria possesses the potential to ascend to a leadership position on the continent. The NCMC’s strategic interventions, particularly the implementation of the Nigeria Cocoa Plan, are expected to catalyze this growth by creating an enabling environment for increased production and enhanced quality.
Central to the Nigeria Cocoa Plan is a comprehensive strategy encompassing various key elements designed to modernize and revitalize the cocoa sector. This plan emphasizes massive rehabilitation efforts, incorporating sustainable agricultural practices aligned with international standards. Traceability, crucial for ensuring ethical sourcing and supply chain transparency, will be prioritized. Agroforestry and agroecological practices will be promoted to enhance biodiversity, soil health, and climate resilience. Due diligence measures will be enforced to mitigate risks related to labor practices and environmental impact. Stringent quality control mechanisms will ensure that Nigerian cocoa meets international standards, enhancing its market value and competitiveness.
Furthermore, the plan recognizes the importance of local processing to add value to the cocoa beans produced in Nigeria, fostering economic diversification and job creation within the country. Encouraging youth participation in the cocoa sector is also a key component, aiming to attract a new generation of farmers and entrepreneurs to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry. By implementing these comprehensive strategies, the NCMC aims to usher in a renaissance for the Nigerian cocoa economy, restoring its former glory and unlocking its full potential.
The significance of the cocoa industry to the Nigerian economy cannot be overstated. In 2023, cocoa beans and related products generated N356.16 billion in export value, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings. Projections for 2024 estimate a staggering N2.7 trillion ($1.76 billion) in total cocoa export value, highlighting the industry’s immense economic potential. Moreover, the cocoa sector provides employment for millions of Nigerians, sustaining the livelihoods of countless cocoa farmers and their families. The NCMC’s interventions are thus not only crucial for the cocoa industry itself but also for the broader Nigerian economy.
However, despite the optimism surrounding the NCMC’s establishment, concerns remain regarding specific local challenges. The cocoa farmers in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, are facing threats to their livelihoods due to approved oil palm production investments encroaching on cocoa farms in government reserved areas. This development raises concerns about the potential negative impact on cocoa production in Ondo State, a leading cocoa-producing region in Nigeria, with an output of approximately 90,000 metric tons. The cocoa farmers’ associations have appealed to Ondo State Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa to address this issue urgently, recognizing the potential consequences for both the state’s cocoa production expansion plans and the livelihoods of the affected farmers and their families. Balancing agricultural diversification with the protection of existing cocoa farms remains a critical challenge that requires careful consideration and stakeholder engagement.
