The Nigerian government, via the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, says it has noted growing public debate and speculation on cocoa seed policy, following reports that it plans to ban the export of raw cocoa beans.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said this is not the position of the Government while stating the position of the government on the issue. “We are not looking for an export ban but for value addition.
“We are committed to developing a cocoa industry that is globally competitive under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu by promoting increased local processing while retaining Nigeria’s status as a dependable exporter of cocoa,” the Minister stated in a signed clarification made available to Journalists over the weekend.
We will continue to export raw cocoa as part of our strategy to boost domestic processing capacity.
“We want to create an enabling environment that will encourage more investment in processing, increase the income of our farmers, create jobs and enable Nigeria to earn more from every tonne of cocoa produced.
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“This initiative is part of our drive to improve Nigeria’s agricultural export through enhanced traceability and international standards to guarantee continued access to premium global markets.
The Minister reiterated that the message is clear, Federal Government is not banning raw cocoa exports. We are driving value addition so that Nigeria can capture more value from its cocoa and remain competitive in the global market.
The position of Agriculture and Food Security is indeed coming 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 was passed by the National Assembly.
Speaking recently to the media at RMRDC Headquarters in Maitama, the Director General/CEO of the agency, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso said the bill when passed will change the game on manufacturing and industrialisation drive in Nigeria.
