FG Rules Out Ban on Raw Cocoa Exports, Prioritises Local Processing
Agriculture Minister says government’s focus is boosting value addition, creating jobs and increasing export earnings
By GLEBM NEWS
The Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting it plans to ban the export of raw cocoa beans, clarifying that its strategy is to expand local cocoa processing while maintaining Nigeria’s role in the international cocoa market.
The clarification was made by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, in a statement issued on Friday, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing a globally competitive cocoa industry through value addition rather than export restrictions.
According to Kyari, the government’s priority is to encourage increased domestic processing of cocoa into higher-value products such as cocoa butter, cocoa powder and chocolate, enabling the country to earn more from its cocoa industry while creating jobs and attracting investment.
“The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has noted public discussions suggesting that the Federal Government intends to ban the export of raw cocoa beans. This is not the position of the Government. Our objective is value addition, not an export ban,” the minister said.
He explained that the government is focused on creating an enabling environment that will attract investors into cocoa processing and strengthen the value chain without disrupting existing export activities.
“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,” Kyari added.
The minister said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to transform agriculture into a major driver of economic growth, industrial development and non-oil export earnings.
He noted that while the government is encouraging more local processing, raw cocoa exports will continue to play an important role as Nigeria gradually expands its domestic processing capacity.
Kyari further stated that the government’s strategy includes strengthening agricultural exports through improved traceability systems and compliance with international quality standards, measures aimed at preserving Nigeria’s access to premium global markets.
According to him, improving competitiveness across the cocoa value chain will enable Nigerian producers to capture greater value from the global cocoa market while supporting sustainable growth within the sector.
Nigeria is one of Africa’s leading cocoa-producing countries, with cocoa serving as one of the nation’s key non-oil export commodities. Industry stakeholders have consistently advocated increased local processing as a means of boosting export revenues, generating employment and reducing dependence on the export of raw agricultural commodities.
