FG vows to reclaim Nigeria’s cocoa sovereignty at London forum

The Federal Government has pledged to reposition Nigeria among the world’s leading cocoa-producing nations as part of efforts to boost job creation, economic growth and food security.

Abubakar Kyari, Minister, Agriculture and Food Security, made the commitment on Monday at the International Cocoa and Chocolate Forum (ICCF 2026) in London, United Kingdom, according to a statement by the Ministry.

Speaking on the theme, Reclaiming Value, Shaping Rules: Nigeria’s Vision for Cocoa Sovereignty, Kyari said Nigeria has strong natural advantages for cocoa production, including fertile soils, suitable agro-ecological zones and a long-standing farming tradition.

He said the President Bola Tinubu-led Administration is prioritising sustainable agricultural development, responsible foreign investment and measures to increase productivity, expand trade and deepen economic activity across the sector.

Kyari noted that Nigeria is strengthening economic ties under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance intra-African trade and improve global competitiveness.

He disclosed that the country had gazetted its Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions and is advancing AfCFTA implementation, projected to boost intra-African trade by 53.3% by 2026.

The minister added that Nigeria is also engaging with international partners including the European Union and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to promote trade sovereignty.

On sustainability, Kyari said Nigeria had enacted the Climate Change Act and committed to compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), including the establishment of a National Task Force on EUDR Compliance.

He also revealed that a National Cocoa Development Plan had been developed to promote modern farming practices and strengthen value chain development.

Kyari said Nigeria intends to convert EUDR compliance into a competitive advantage through public-private partnerships, geospatial monitoring capabilities and innovative financing solutions.

He stressed the Government’s focus on climate-smart agriculture, green compliance and farmer support through training, access to finance and stronger market linkages.

The minister described the Forum as an important step towards revitalising cocoa production in Nigeria and across Africa, commending the conveners, particularly Oba Dokun Thompson, for creating a platform for partnership, dialogue and cultural exchange.

The event also featured the presentation of a Special Award for Transforming Nigeria’s Cocoa Industry to Kyari.

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC

Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications

She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet.

An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.

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