The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring Nigeria’s position among the world’s leading cocoa-producing nations in a bid to boost job creation, economic growth and food security.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, made this disclosure at the 2026 International Cocoa and Chocolate Forum (ICCF 2026) in London, United Kingdom.
Speaking on the theme “Reclaiming Value, Shaping Rules: Nigeria’s Vision for Cocoa Sovereignty”, Kyari said Nigeria possesses strong natural advantages for cocoa production, including fertile soils, suitable agro-ecological zones and a long-standing farming tradition.
The Minister stated that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration is committed to supporting sustainable development initiatives, encouraging responsible foreign investment, and advancing efforts to increase productivity, expand trade and deepen economic activity across the agricultural sector.
He disclosed that Nigeria is strengthening economic ties through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance intra-African trade and global competitiveness, noting that the framework promotes regulatory compliance, carbon-smart cocoa production and youth inclusion in agriculture.
Kyari added that Nigeria has gazetted its Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions and is accelerating AfCFTA implementation, which is projected to boost intra-African trade by 53.3 per cent by 2026, while also engaging international partners such as the European Union and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to promote trade sovereignty.
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He further stated that, in support of sustainable cocoa production, Nigeria has enacted the Climate Change Act, committed to the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), established a National Task Force on EUDR Compliance and developed a National Cocoa Development Plan.
Outlining Nigeria’s strategy for EUDR compliance, the minister said the country had set up a National Task Force and developed a White Paper on implementation, adding that Nigeria aims to turn compliance into a competitive advantage through public-private partnerships, geospatial capabilities and innovative financing solutions.
Senator Kyari emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable development, climate resilience and youth inclusion in the cocoa sector, noting that the country has articulated a clear pathway to net-zero emissions by 2060 and is implementing the National Cocoa Development Plan to promote modern farming practices and value-chain development.
He said, “Nigeria is among others focusing on climate-smart agriculture, green compliance, the 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.”
The Minister described the forum as a critical step towards revitalising cocoa production and advancing economic development in Nigeria and across Africa, commending the conveners particularly HRM Oba Dokun Thompson for providing a platform for partnership, dialogue and cultural exchange capable of driving socio-economic growth on the continent.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of a Special Award for Transforming Nigeria’s Cocoa Industry to Senator Abubakar Kyari.