Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called for collective and innovative efforts to tackle the critical challenges confronting cocoa production in Nigeria.
These include the effects of climate change, inefficiencies in the value chain, and poor succession planning within the sector.
The governor made the appeal while declaring open the two-day ‘National Cocoa Stakeholders’ Workshop and Excellence Award Ceremony’, held on Wednesday at The Dome, Akure.
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The event was organised by the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) in partnership with Lutheran World Relief (LWR).
With the theme “Deforestation-Free Cocoa Production and Improved Trade Practices Through Adoption of Sustainable National Traceability System: Key to Industry Growth and Development,” the workshop brought together farmers, processors, exporters and other key players from across the cocoa value chain.
Welcoming participants to the state, Aiyedatiwa described the theme as timely, noting that Ondo remains the leading cocoa-producing state in Nigeria.
He emphasised the sector’s potential to drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and support sustainable development.
“As we convene to deliberate on this very apposite theme, we are reminded of Ondo State’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s cocoa production,” he said.
“We must work together to develop innovative solutions, leverage technology, and promote sustainable practices. We cannot afford to be left behind in the global cocoa value chain.”
The governor highlighted various initiatives by his administration to support the sector, including the distribution of free improved seedlings and fertilisers, training for farmers, improved access to finance and markets, and promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.
He also identified persistent challenges such as environmental degradation, outdated farm systems, inefficient market structures, and a lack of reliable data.
“I charge all participants to engage meaningfully, share knowledge, and chart a path forward for sustainable cocoa production,” he urged.
Earlier, M.O. Abolarinwa, National President of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria, commended Ondo State’s leadership in cocoa production.
He described the workshop as a platform to align Nigeria’s cocoa industry with global best practices and stressed the importance of a national traceability system to enhance market access amid tightening international regulations on deforestation and sustainability.
Victor Halim Iyama, Chairman of CAN’s Board of Trustees, expressed optimism about cocoa’s potential to boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, noting that the industry’s current trajectory was promising.
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Also speaking, Hajara Usman, who represented the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to revamping the sector under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
The workshop will continue on Thursday with technical sessions and stakeholder engagements focused on innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth in Nigeria’s cocoa industry.
