VP Shettima: Nigeria to Shift Focus from Cocoa Production to Processing

VP Shettima

In a renewed drive to reposition Nigeria’s agricultural sector, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria from a raw cocoa-producing nation to a major player in cocoa processing on the global stage.

Speaking on Monday during a strategic meeting with a delegation from the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), led by President Mr. Chris Vincent, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Vice President emphasized that the Federal Government is taking deliberate steps to revive the cocoa industry and expand the entire agricultural value chain.

“We’re determined to shift from being mere producers of cocoa beans to processors of cocoa products. Our goal is sustainability in both cocoa farming and forest conservation,” Shettima stated.

To this end, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently approved the creation of a National Cocoa Management Board (NCMB), a move aimed at driving the revival and modernization of the cocoa industry.

“Let’s be honest – Nigeria once stood tall among the world’s top cocoa producers. But with the oil boom, we lost our place. Now, with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are ready to reclaim that legacy,” he said.

Shettima noted the current surge in global cocoa prices and the immense value that lies in processing rather than exporting raw cocoa. “Today, a tonne of raw cocoa is worth around $9,000. But processed cocoa can go for $30,000, and chocolate products even up to $50,000 per tonne. The value addition is enormous,” he explained.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s youthful population as a strategic advantage, describing the country’s young and energetic workforce as ready and capable of driving this transformation.

“We have the manpower, we have the motivation. The average Nigerian is just 17 years old. What we need now is opportunity and investment. That’s why we’re excited to partner with organisations like the WCF,” the Vice President added.

As a demonstration of his personal commitment, Shettima revealed that he is already developing a cocoa farm of his own. “For me, it’s not about profits. It’s about job creation and national progress. I want to lead by example.”

He further pledged to engage with the Governor of Taraba State to facilitate access to 10,000 hectares of land in Kurmi Local Government Area for cocoa farming and investment partnerships.

On his part, Mr. Chris Vincent expressed the WCF’s interest in collaborating with Nigeria to build a sustainable and resilient cocoa sector, especially amid the ongoing global cocoa supply shortage.

“The world is experiencing a significant shortfall in cocoa supply, with prices rising fourfold in just three years. We’re seeking new sources of sustainable cocoa, and Nigeria is well-positioned to meet that demand,” Vincent said.

He noted that the WCF represents key players across the global cocoa value chain, including top chocolate and cocoa manufacturers. “We are aligned with the Nigerian government’s vision. The next two to three years present a golden opportunity for growth.”

With renewed energy and clear strategic intent, Nigeria appears poised to make the leap from a cocoa-producing nation to a hub for processing, export, and innovation in the cocoa industry.