The Nigerian government, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, says it has noted growing public debate and speculation over cocoa seed policy, amid claims that it plans to ban the export of raw cocoa beans.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, while stating the government’s position on the issue, said: “This is not the position of the Government. Our objective is value addition, not an export ban.”
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The Minister, in a signed clarification which was made available to Journalists over the weekend, added: “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government is committed to building a globally competitive cocoa industry by encouraging greater local processing while maintaining Nigeria’s position as a reliable exporter of cocoa.
“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 approach is also consistent with our efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural exports through improved traceability and compliance with international standards, ensuring continued access to premium global markets.”
The Minister reiterated that 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.
The position of the Agriculture and Food Security, no doubt, comes at an auspicious time when the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) is awaiting President Tinubu’s assent to the 30% Value Addition Bill, which the National Assembly has passed.
Addressing the media recently at RMRDC Headquarters in Maitama, the Director General/CEO of the agency, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, expressed that the bill, when passed, will be Nigeria’s game changer on manufacturing and industrialisation drive
