By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
FRESH MOMENTUM is building behind Nigeria’s strategy to shift from raw cocoa production to large-scale processing, as the government pledges deeper engagement with global partners.
Vice President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed this commitment during talks with World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) President Chris Vincent in Abuja, outlining plans to transform the industry into a high-value contributor to the national economy.
A National Cocoa Management Board has been approved to regulate and develop the sector, a move Shettima described as evidence of serious intent.
He stressed the urgency of adding value locally, noting that while a tonne of raw cocoa fetches $9,000, processed cocoa products could generate up to $30,000, and chocolate bars even-more-reaching $50,000 per tonne.
“Manpower remains a critical advantage. With a median age of just 17, Nigeria’s young population offers an abundant and willing workforce.
“We have very virile young men who are willing to work if they have the opportunity,” Shettima stated, reaffirming plans to involve state governments directly.
He pledged to engage Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas to secure 10,000 hectares in Kurmi Local Government Area for cocoa expansion.
Promising to personally drive the collaboration, Shettima declared, “I want to walk the talk. It is not even about the profit criteria… It’s about the social welfare criteria—employing people.”
He offered a personal invitation to see his own agricultural efforts, underlining the leadership’s active involvement.
Chris Vincent welcomed the initiative, pointing to an urgent global supply gap. Cocoa prices have quadrupled in the last three years due to widespread shortages. He said the WCF is seeking new sources of sustainable cocoa, and Nigeria fits strategically into that vision.
“We are in the middle of a global cocoa supply shortage,” Vincent explained. “We are looking for new supplies of cocoa, sustainable cocoa in particular… The next two to three years are an opportunity for growth.”
The shared outlook between Nigeria and the WCF highlights a timely alignment of national ambition with a pressing global need for sustainable cocoa production.
