The Nigerian Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment has finalized plans to implement a 10-year National Cocoa Plan from 2013 to 2032. The project aims to develop a sustainable cocoa economy that will primarily contribute to the GDP through increased industrialization and production. It has been approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
This was revealed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Evelyn Ngige, during a one-day stakeholders’ forum in Abuja on the execution of the 10-year national cocoa plan 2023.
According to her, the project will lead to higher foreign exchange revenues through the export of consistently superior quality cocoa beans and cocoa products, as well as robust domestic consumption, farm gate prosperity, and youth engagement.
In her words: “Cocoa is one of Nigeria’s primary non-oil export earning commodities, providing income to federal and state governments, and millions of farmers in the main cocoa producing communities and other stakeholders across the cocoa value chain. However, from a peak of over 300,000 metric tons in the 1970/71 trading season, and being the number two cocoa-producing country in the world,
“The proper implementation of this plan will no doubt enhance the achievement of the sub-sector in the following areas,
“Inclusion of cocoa products in federal, state and local government’s food and health programs, mainstreaming of cocoa powder market driven by widespread consciousness of cocoa’s health benefits and nutritional value.
“Promotion of the establishment of Fine Flavor Chocolate producing companies; Increase in revenue and jobs as well as other spin-offs, An upswing in cocoa processing investment and capacity utilization on account of increasing domestic consumption; and. The present two percent cocoa consumption is projected to increase to a minimum of 20-25 percent.”
When the National Cocoa Plan is fully executed, she said, the current metric tons of cocoa production is expected to increase to 714,000 metric tons in the 2027–2028 cocoa season.
According to her, this plan is created under the strategic pillars of the global agenda for cocoa, which comprise strategic management, sustainable production, industry, and consumption of cocoa.