Government and stakeholders align strategies to boost production, ensure compliance, and secure access to European cocoa markets.
NIGERIA – Nigeria’s cocoa sector recorded significant growth in the last quarter of 2024, with export earnings rising from ₦171 billion (US$$11.4M) in Q4 2023 to ₦1.2 trillion (US$$782M).
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement, Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, announced the figures at the Nigeria–EU Cocoa Roundtable on EUDR Compliance. He described cocoa as a key non-oil export driving Nigeria’s economic diversification.
Cocoa now represents about 29 per cent of the country’s total agricultural exports and 5.6 per cent of non-oil exports. Over 300,000 smallholder farmers contribute roughly 80 per cent of national production.
In the 2023/2024 season, Nigeria produced 320,000 tonnes and is targeting 500,000 tonnes by 2025 through targeted interventions.
The roundtable addressed compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which from December 2025 will ban the import of cocoa linked to deforestation after December 2020.
The EUDR demands complete supply chain traceability, due diligence, and proof that cocoa is produced without deforestation, aligning with Nigeria’s climate and green economy objectives.
Uzoma highlighted that compliance could create opportunities in traceability technology, blockchain-based monitoring, and satellite mapping, in addition to boosting farmer incomes and productivity.
He noted that the government is working to harmonise data in the sector, develop a national traceability system, and collaborate with agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Inland Revenue Service, and National Space Research and Development Agency.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, emphasised that with the European Union accounting for more than 60 per cent of Nigeria’s cocoa exports, adherence to EUDR requirements is crucial for economic, environmental, and developmental reasons.
She said it also supports President Bola Tinubu’s goal of building a US$1 trillion economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Sustainability Manager at Tulip Cocoa Processes Limited, Taiwo Osho, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to sustainable agriculture and traceability. He said Tulisupports farmers with good agricultural practices and livelihood programmes to meet the EUDR standards.
Osho added that while Nigeria’s focus had previously shifted to petroleum, renewed attention is being given to cocoa and other agricultural exports. He urged the government to clearly mark protected areas to guide farmers and traders.
