FG Vows to Reclaim Nigeria’s Cocoa Sovereignty at London Forum

News in brief:

-Nigeria plans to reposition itself as a leading global cocoa producer through policy reforms, sustainability compliance and value chain development.

-The government is leveraging AfCFTA, climate-smart agriculture and international partnerships to drive cocoa sector growth.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reposition Nigeria among the world’s leading cocoa-producing nations as part of a broader strategy to drive job creation, economic growth and food security.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, pledged to the International Cocoa and Chocolate Forum 2026 held in London, United Kingdom.

Speaking on the theme Reclaiming Value, Shaping Rules: Nigeria’s Vision for Cocoa Sovereignty, Kyari said Nigeria possesses strong natural advantages for cocoa cultivation, including fertile soils, favourable agro-ecological zones and a long-established cocoa farming tradition.

He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is prioritising sustainable agricultural development, responsible foreign investment and targeted interventions to increase productivity, expand trade and deepen economic activity across the cocoa value chain.

AfCFTA Implementation to Boost Trade Competitiveness

Kyari noted that Nigeria is strengthening economic cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) to improve intra-African trade and enhance the country’s global competitiveness.

He disclosed that Nigeria has gazetted its Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions and is advancing the implementation of AfCFTA, which is projected to increase intra-African trade by 53.3% by 2026.

The minister added that Nigeria is also engaging with international partners, including the European Union and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, to advance trade sovereignty and market access.

On sustainability, Kyari stated that Nigeria has enacted the Climate Change Act and committed to full compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). He revealed that a national task force on EUDR Compliance has been established to coordinate implementation across the cocoa value chain.

Nigeria aims to leverage regulatory compliance as a competitive advantage through public-private partnerships, geospatial monitoring systems, and innovative financing mechanisms.

National Cocoa Development Plan Targets Value Chain Growth

Kyari disclosed that the Federal Government has developed a National Cocoa Development Plan aimed at promoting modern farming practices and strengthening value chain development.

He said the plan focuses on climate-smart agriculture, green compliance and farmer support through capacity building, improved access to finance and stronger market linkages.

The minister described the forum as a critical step towards revitalising cocoa production in Nigeria and across Africa, commending the conveners, particularly Oba Dokun Thompson, for creating a platform that promotes partnership, dialogue and cultural exchange.

The event also featured the presentation of a Special Award for Transforming Nigeria’s Cocoa Industry to Kyari, in recognition of the government’s policy direction and commitment to cocoa sector reform.