Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has said the country is well positioned to reclaim a leading role in global cocoa production, citing its fertile soils, favourable growing conditions and deep-rooted farming heritage.
Kyari spoke on Monday at the International Cocoa and Chocolate Forum 2026 held in London, where he outlined the Federal Government’s plan to use the cocoa sector as a driver of jobs, economic expansion and food security.
The forum focused on the theme Reclaiming Value Shaping Rules Nigeria’s Vision for Cocoa Sovereignty.
According to the minister, the administration of President Bola Tinubu is placing agriculture at the centre of national development, with emphasis on sustainability, higher productivity and responsible foreign investment.
He said ongoing reforms are aimed at expanding trade opportunities and stimulating economic activity across the cocoa value chain.
Kyari noted that Nigeria is deepening its engagement within the African Continental Free Trade Area to strengthen trade links on the continent and improve competitiveness in global markets.
He disclosed that Nigeria has already approved its provisional tariff concessions and is pushing ahead with full implementation of the agreement, which is expected to significantly increase trade among African countries by 2026.
He added that the country is also working with global partners such as the European Union and members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership as part of efforts to protect national interests while expanding access to international markets.
On environmental responsibility, the minister said Nigeria has taken concrete steps by enacting the Climate Change Act and committing to meet the requirements of the European Union Deforestation Regulation.
He revealed that a national task force has been set up to oversee compliance and ensure Nigerian cocoa remains acceptable in key export destinations.
Kyari further disclosed that a National Cocoa Development Plan is in place to encourage modern farming methods and strengthen processing, marketing and overall value addition in the sector.
He said compliance with environmental standards would be turned into an advantage through collaboration with the private sector, improved monitoring tools and innovative funding options.
The minister stressed that government support for farmers remains a priority, especially through training programmes, access to finance and stronger connections to local and international markets. He described the forum as a timely platform for reviving cocoa production in Nigeria and across the continent.
The event also recognised Kyari with a Special Award for Transforming Nigeria’s Cocoa Industry, while he commended the organisers, particularly Oba Dokun Thompson, for fostering dialogue, partnerships and cultural exchange around Africa’s cocoa future.
