The Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) has urged the Nigerian government, traditional leaders, and local communities to promote youth involvement in cocoa farming, processing, and management through entrepreneurship initiatives to sustain cocoa production in Nigeria.
Speaking in Calabar at the 3rd National Cocoa Festival, CFAN’s National President, Adeola Adegoke, emphasized the importance of youth participation in ensuring the long-term viability of the cocoa sector.
He highlighted that this year’s festival focused on compliance with the European Union’s Deforestation Regulations (EUDR) in Nigeria, noting that entrepreneurship among young people is essential for the sector’s sustainability.
Adegoke welcomed attendees, celebrating Calabar as Nigeria’s second-largest cocoa-producing region, and called the festival a “blessing and achievement.”
He remarked, “Cocoa is vital to livelihoods, revenue generation, and job creation in Nigeria. This festival provides a crucial platform for stakeholders to connect and drive sustainable development in the cocoa industry.”
He acknowledged the support of Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, ICCO Executive Director Mitchel Arrion, and other partners addressing environmental challenges and implementing EUDR standards to attract investment in Nigeria’s cocoa industry.
Representing Governor Otu, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, congratulated CFAN on organizing the festival in Cross River State.
He outlined a seven-year strategic plan targeting cocoa market improvements, job creation, and economic growth.
He shared that Cross River produces between 58,000 and 62,000 tons of cocoa annually across 123 hectares, with state policies focused on value addition and attracting foreign investment.
Daniel Asukwo, former House of Representatives member and chair of the event, emphasized the significance of the festival, not only in celebrating the cocoa industry’s achievements but also in addressing challenges threatening its future.
He cited issues like outdated farming practices, limited access to quality seedlings, inadequate infrastructure, and low technological investment as obstacles to productivity.
He noted that compliance with international standards such as the EUDR adds complexity for Nigerian cocoa farmers already striving to meet export requirements.
Furthermore, the depreciation of the naira has raised costs for essential imports, such as fertilizers and equipment, reducing profit margins and posing risks to the future of Nigeria’s cocoa sector.
