FG clarifies position on raw cocoa exports

Nigeria's Federal Government has clarified its stance on cocoa exports, emphasizing that it has no intention of banning the export of raw cocoa beans. The government's policy is focused on promoting local value addition while ensuring Nigeria maintains its significant position in the global cocoa market.

“

Our objective is value addition, not an export ban.

Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, stated that the objective is "value addition, not an export ban." He explained that under the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda, the priority is to cultivate a globally competitive cocoa industry. This involves encouraging greater domestic processing while permitting the continued export of raw cocoa.

The government aims to create an environment conducive to investment in cocoa processing. Such investments are expected to enhance farmers' incomes, generate employment opportunities, and ultimately increase Nigeria's foreign exchange earnings from cocoa. Raw cocoa exports will continue to be vital as the nation expands its domestic processing capabilities.

“

Raw cocoa exports will continue to play an important role as we expand domestic processing capacity. Our goal is to create an enabling environment that encourages more investment in processing, increases farmers’ incomes, creates jobs, and enables Nigeria to earn more from every tonne of cocoa produced.

This clarification comes after President Bola Tinubu recently advocated for Nigeria to move beyond exporting raw beans and increase local processing. Tinubu argued that this shift would allow Nigeria to capture a larger share of the global chocolate market, create jobs, attract investment, and boost foreign exchange. The government's policy aligns with efforts to improve traceability in agricultural exports and adhere to international standards, securing Nigeria's access to premium export markets.

“

The message is clear: the Federal Government is not banning raw cocoa exports. We are promoting value addition so that Nigeria captures more value from its cocoa while remaining competitive in the global market.