By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Federal Government has reaffirmed its determination to restore Nigeria’s status as one of the world’s leading cocoa-producing nations, as part of broader efforts to drive job creation, economic growth and food security.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, stated this on Monday, January 26, 2026, while addressing participants at the International Cocoa and Chocolate Forum (ICCF 2026) held in London, United Kingdom.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari (C) during the International Cocoa and Chocolate Forum, ICCF 2026 in London, England.
Speaking on the theme, “Reclaiming Value, Shaping Rules: Nigeria’s Vision for Cocoa Sovereignty,” the Minister noted that Nigeria possesses significant natural advantages for cocoa production, including fertile soils, favourable agro-ecological zones and a long-established farming tradition.
Senator Kyari said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to supporting sustainable development initiatives, encouraging responsible foreign investment and driving reforms aimed at improving productivity, expanding trade and deepening economic activities across the agricultural sector.
He disclosed that Nigeria is strengthening its economic ties under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost intra-African trade and enhance global competitiveness. According to him, these efforts are designed to promote regulatory compliance, carbon-smart cocoa production and greater youth participation in agriculture.
The Minister further revealed that Nigeria has gazetted its Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions and is advancing the implementation of AfCFTA, a move projected to increase intra-African trade by 53.3 per cent by 2026.
He added that the country is also engaging international partners, including the European Union and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), to strengthen trade sovereignty.
To support sustainable cocoa production, Senator Kyari said Nigeria has enacted the Climate Change Act, committed to the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and established a National Task Force on EUDR Compliance.
He also noted that the government has developed a National Cocoa Development Plan to guide sector-wide growth.
Outlining steps taken to ensure compliance with the EUDR, the Minister explained that the National Task Force and a White Paper on EUDR implementation are already in place.
He stressed that Nigeria intends to turn EUDR compliance into a competitive advantage through public-private partnerships, improved geospatial capabilities and innovative financing mechanisms.
Senator Kyari reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable development, climate resilience and youth inclusion within the cocoa sector, adding that the country has clearly articulated a pathway towards net-zero emissions by 2060.
He said the National Cocoa Development Plan is focused on promoting modern farming techniques and strengthening value chain development.
According to him, Nigeria is prioritising climate-smart agriculture, green compliance and the adoption of sustainable practices that enhance crop resilience and mitigate the effects of climate change, while also 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 stimulating economic development in Nigeria and across Africa.
He commended the organisers, particularly His Royal Majesty, 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 in recognition of his contributions to the sector.
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