As part of efforts to transform Kogi State into a leading hub for agricultural exports, the state government has unveiled plans to achieve 150,000 metric tonnes of cashew production by 2027 under Governor Usman Ododo’s agricultural transformation agenda.
The initiative is being implemented through the Kogi State Commodity Exchange Export Promotion and Marketing Development Agency (KOCEPA).
Speaking in Abuja, the Chief Consultant of KOCEPA, Dr. Jude Osilama, said the project will revolutionise cashew production and enhance the livelihoods of farmers across the state.
He revealed that 15 million hybrid cashew trees will be planted over the next three years to replace aged trees, targeting five million farmers.
“Kogi’s cashew, known globally for its high quality of up to 52 KRO, is one of the most sought-after varieties internationally,” Osilama said. “For the first time, cashew will be sun-dried in Kogi according to international standards. The days of transporting cashew to Ogbomoso for drying are over.”
He noted that Kogi’s cashew was recently recognised as a global brand at the Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS) Golden Cashew Rendezvous 2025 in Hanoi, adding that Governor Ododo’s vision is to sustain Kogi’s leadership as Nigeria’s top cashew-producing state, currently yielding over 120,000 metric tonnes annually.
Osilama explained that KOCEPA, established through legislation signed by the governor, is mandated to empower farmers with financial support, training, and access to markets while driving job creation and boosting the state’s internally generated revenue.
“The government of Usman Ododo has stepped in to revolutionise the cashew industry. KOCEPA has been equipped with forward-looking policies to promote production, facilitate exports, and position Kogi’s agricultural commodities on the global stage,” he stated.
He also disclosed that discussions are ongoing with Vietnamese investors and machinery manufacturers, including the Vietnam Machine Company, to establish cashew processing plants in Kogi by early next year. “They have confirmed readiness to install processing plants that will export finished cashew products directly to the United States, Germany, Japan, the UAE, and other global markets,” Osilama added.
According to him, Governor Ododo’s goal is to make farmers wealthier by connecting them to international buyers through KOCEPA’s off-take partnerships with the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) and other global markets. “By the end of 2026, our farmers will be smiling to the banks as they begin to reap the gains from these strategic initiatives,” he said.
Meanwhile, NCAN President, Dr. Ojo Ajanaku, commended Governor Ododo for establishing KOCEPA, describing it as a bold step that will “change the narrative of agriculture in Kogi State.”
“This is one of the best initiatives for Kogi’s cashew industry. It guarantees productivity, reduces premature harvesting, and protects farmers’ income,” Ajanaku said.
He further called on other state governors to replicate the KOCEPA model to boost agricultural productivity, create jobs, and expand non-oil exports.
Ajanaku also noted that the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and VINACAS would strengthen Kogi’s cashew processing capacity, with KOCEPA playing a key role in implementing the partnership.
“As long as KOCEPA continues to collaborate with NCAN, we are confident that challenges in the cashew industry will be effectively addressed,” he concluded.
