The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring Nigeria’s status as a leading global cocoa producer to drive economic growth, job creation, and food security.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced this strategic vision on Monday, January 26, 2026, during the International Cocoa and Chocolate Forum (ICCF 2026) held in London.
Addressing the forum under the theme Reclaiming Value, Shaping Rules: Nigeria’s Vision for Cocoa Sovereignty, Kyari emphasized that the nation possesses the essential natural assets to dominate the sector, including fertile soil, ideal agro-ecological zones, and a long-standing farming heritage.
According to the minister, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is focused on fostering sustainable development and encouraging responsible foreign investment. He noted that these efforts are designed to expand trade and deepen economic activity throughout the agricultural value chain.
“Nigeria is among others, focusing on climate-smart agriculture, green compliance, adoption of sustainable practices that enhance crop resilience and mitigate the impacts of climate change, as well as improving farmers livelihoods through targeted training, access to finance, and stronger market linkages,” Kyari stated.
To improve global competitiveness, Kyari explained that Nigeria is leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost intra-African trade. He revealed that the country has already gazetted its Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions, an initiative projected to increase intra-African trade by 53.3 percent by the end of 2026.
The minister further detailed Nigeria’s proactive stance on international environmental standards, specifically the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). He informed the gathering that the government has established a National Task Force on EUDR Compliance and developed a comprehensive White Paper to guide its implementation.
Kyari noted that by integrating public-private partnerships with geospatial technology and innovative financing, Nigeria intends to turn regulatory compliance into a distinct competitive advantage. He also highlighted the enactment of the Climate Change Act and the National Cocoa Development Plan as evidence of the country’s roadmap toward net-zero emissions by 2060.
Concluding his remarks, the minister described the forum as a vital catalyst for revitalizing the cocoa sector. He extended appreciation to the organizers, specifically HRM Oba Dokun Thompson, for establishing a platform that promotes the dialogue and partnerships necessary for socio-economic growth across the continent.
