Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to revitalise its cocoa sector and the entire agricultural sector in order to transform from just a cocoa producer into a global cocoa processor.
Speaking during a meeting with World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) President Chris Vincent in Abuja, Shettima reiterated the government’s commitment to revitalising the cocoa sector as part of a broader agricultural revival strategy.
Highlighting the economic potential of cocoa processing, Shettima stated that while a tonne of raw cocoa fetches about $9,000, processing it into semi-finished goods could raise its value to $30,000, and up to $50,000 if converted into chocolate bars.
“We don’t want to be producers of cocoa; we want to be processors,” he emphasized.
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In line with this vision, the Federal Executive Council recently approved the establishment of a National Cocoa Management Board (NCMB). The new board will oversee sustainable cocoa farming practices, forest preservation, and drive investments in cocoa processing.
Shettima noted Nigeria’s demographic advantage, with an average age of 17, saying the country has a vibrant youth population eager to engage in agriculture. “We have the manpower—young, capable Nigerians ready to work if given the chance,” he said.
To lead by example, the Vice President disclosed he is setting up a cocoa farm himself, driven not by profit, but by a desire to generate employment and boost rural economies. He also pledged to work with the governor of Taraba State to secure 10,000 hectares for cocoa expansion in Kurmi Local Government Area.
Chris Vincent of WCF acknowledged Nigeria’s strategic position in the cocoa market, particularly amid a global cocoa shortage and price surge. He expressed the Foundation’s readiness to partner with Nigeria in building a sustainable and profitable cocoa sector aligned with European Union regulations.
