A new wave of optimism is rippling across the cocoa fields of Ondo State as farmers celebrate renewed support from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). Through the donation of additional hybrid cocoa seedlings, NEPC—under the dynamic leadership of Executive Director/CEO, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni—has reaffirmed its commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s cocoa industry and empowering its key producers.
The latest intervention, coordinated by NEPC’s Ondo State office led by Mrs. Abe Iyabode, marks the second strategic support initiative this year. It highlights an increasingly impactful partnership between government institutions and grassroots producers, aimed at restoring Nigeria’s stature as a global cocoa powerhouse.
The Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) and the Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COFAAA) described the effort as a “timely and transformative step” toward sustainable agricultural development.
National President, CFAN and Global President, COFAAA, Comrade Adeola Adegoke, in a statement said, “Our members see this not just as a gift, but as a long-term investment in our future. We are encouraged, and we are ready to grow more,”
Nigeria currently accounts for 6.5% of global cocoa output, with annual production between 280,000 and 300,000 metric tons. Ondo State alone contributes over 90,000 metric tons, making it the top-producing cocoa state in the country. With NEPC’s continued support, output from the state is projected to grow to 150,000 metric tons within two years—advancing Nigeria toward its national target of 500,000 metric tons.
The economic dividends are already evident. Cocoa export earnings rose from $666.9 million (₦171 billion) in 2023 to $780 million (₦1.2 trillion) in 2024. When value-added products like cocoa butter and powder are included, the industry’s total worth now exceeds ₦2.21 trillion, driven by higher international market prices (NBS data).
Further boosting the sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, recently approved the re-establishment of the Cocoa Board, focused on sector policy and regulation rather than trading. The move has been widely praised as a step toward resolving long-standing challenges such as, Climate change and low seedling survival rates, Poor access to finance, Weak infrastructure and logistics, Low adoption of modern technology, Traceability and certification issues and low processing and domestic consumption
CFAN and COFAAA are urging all beneficiary farmers to uphold best practices in cocoa cultivation. With climate change intensifying, proper transplanting, smart farming, and sustainability are no longer optional—they are essential.
In conclusion, Comrade Adegoke said,
“This partnership represents more than support—it signals that the future of Nigerian cocoa is green, profitable, and globally competitive,”
Comrade Adeola Adegoke
