Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called for strategic collaboration and innovation to overcome persistent challenges in Nigeria’s cocoa sector, including climate change impacts, inefficiencies across the value chain, and a worrying gap in generational succession.
The governor made the call on Wednesday while declaring open the National Cocoa Stakeholders’ Workshop and Excellence Award Ceremony at The Dome, Akure. The two-day event is organized by the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) in partnership with Lutheran World Relief (LWR).
With the theme “Deforestation-Free Cocoa Production and Improved Trade Practices Through Adoption of Sustainable National Traceability System: Key to Industry Growth and Development,” the workshop attracted key stakeholders from across the cocoa value chain—farmers, processors, exporters, development partners, and policymakers.
Welcoming participants, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized Ondo State’s strategic position as Nigeria’s leading cocoa-producing state, highlighting the crop’s potential to drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and ensure sustainable livelihoods.
“As we convene to deliberate on this very apposite theme, we are reminded of Ondo State’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s cocoa production,” Aiyedatiwa said. “We cannot afford to be left behind in the global cocoa value chain.”
He detailed several state-led interventions aimed at boosting the sector, including the distribution of free improved seedlings and fertilizers, farmer capacity-building, increased market access, and a deliberate shift toward climate-smart agriculture.
The governor also warned of looming threats to the sector such as climate-induced environmental degradation, inefficient marketing structures, aging plantations, and insufficient data to guide policy.
“To all participants, I charge you to engage meaningfully, share knowledge, and chart a path forward for sustainable cocoa production,” he urged.
In his welcome address, CAN National President, Mr. M.O. Abolarinwa, hailed Ondo’s leadership role in cocoa production and urged stakeholders to embrace the national traceability system, especially as global markets tighten regulations around deforestation and ethical sourcing.
Chairman of CAN’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Victor Halim Iyama, noted that cocoa holds immense potential to improve Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings. “The structures we are establishing now form the foundation for a prosperous cocoa future,” he said.
Representing the Federal Government, Hajara Usman—on behalf of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole—reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to cocoa sector revitalization under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The workshop continues on Thursday with technical sessions and strategic discussions aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s cocoa industry for long-term growth, resilience, and competitiveness.