The Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s strong commitment to reviving Nigeria’s cocoa industry and strengthening the entire agricultural value chain.
He revealed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to reposition Nigeria from being a mere cocoa producer to a major global processor and exporter of cocoa products.
Speaking on Monday at the Presidential Villa during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), led by its President, Mr. Chris Vincent, Shettima disclosed that the Federal Executive Council had recently approved the establishment of the National Cocoa Management Board (NCMB) as part of broader plans to reposition the sector.
“We used to be one of the world’s leading cocoa producers,” the Vice President said, “but with the discovery of oil, the cocoa sector was neglected. Now, we are going back to the drawing board. The President is fully committed to revitalising not only the cocoa industry but the entire agricultural value chain.”
He emphasized that Nigeria’s renewed focus is on sustainable cocoa farming, forest preservation, and local processing of cocoa, citing the vast difference in value between raw and processed products.
“A tonne of cocoa may bring in $9,000,” Shettima said, “but processed cocoa can fetch up to $30,000. If turned into chocolate bars, the same amount could reach as high as $50,000.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s youth potential, he noted, “We have the manpower. The average age in Nigeria is 17. We have young, vibrant individuals who are ready to work if given the opportunity.”
In a personal show of commitment, Shettima disclosed that he has begun establishing a cocoa farm to set an example for others. “This is not driven by profit,” he stated, “but by a desire to contribute to national welfare and employment.”
He assured the WCF of Nigeria’s readiness to partner meaningfully with global stakeholders and pledged to engage the Taraba State Governor to secure 10,000 hectares of land in Kurmi Local Government Area for WCF and its partners to expand cocoa investments.
In response, WCF President Chris Vincent expressed the Foundation’s readiness to collaborate with the Nigerian government.
He highlighted the global cocoa supply shortage and the urgent need for sustainable cocoa sources.
“Prices have quadrupled in the past three years. There is a supply deficit, and the next two to three years present a unique window of opportunity for growth,” Vincent said.
The WCF, he explained, represents the entire global cocoa supply chain, including major chocolate and cocoa manufacturers, and is eager to align its efforts with Nigeria’s ambition to grow and process more cocoa in line with European Union sustainability regulations.
