President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has declared that Nigeria will no longer settle for exporting raw cocoa beans while importing finished chocolate products, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to build a globally competitive cocoa processing industry.
Representing the President at the Cocoa Value Addition Summit 2026: From Bean to Brand in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, delivered a bold message that the era of exporting wealth and importing value must come to an end.
The President described cocoa as one of Nigeria’s most strategic non-oil commodities, noting that despite producing up to seven percent of the world’s cocoa and earning over ₦3 trillion from exports during the recent price surge, the country still captures only a small share of the global chocolate value chain because most of its cocoa leaves the country unprocessed.
He reaffirmed that the Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on shifting Nigeria from a raw commodity exporter to a value-adding industrial economy, with increased investments in local cocoa processing, manufacturing and branding.
President Tinubu also highlighted the recent rollout of the One Million Improved Cocoa Seedlings Programme, led by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, as a major step towards boosting productivity and ensuring a sustainable supply of high-quality cocoa for local processors.
Calling on investors, financiers and development partners to seize the opportunities in Nigeria’s cocoa sector, the President said the country is ready for large-scale investments that will create jobs, increase export earnings and position Nigeria as a leading cocoa processing destination.
He further pledged Nigeria’s full support for the Cocoa Value Addition Accord and the Abuja Declaration, urging African cocoa-producing nations to work together.
Post a Comment