The Federal Government of Nigeria has emphasized the crucial role of cashew in achieving the country’s non-oil export objectives. According to Mr. Abiodun Yinusa, Special Assistant to the President on Agriculture, the recent constitution of the Interim National Committee of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) is a timely and necessary step to restore order to the association.

NCAN has faced years of constitutional violations and leadership crises, which prompted the need for a new leadership to sanitize the organization and ensure its contribution to the economy. The appointment of Mr. Ademola Adesokan as Interim National President has been unanimously approved, with Yinusa describing him as a credible leader with a proven track record in agribusiness.

The Interim Committee, under Adesokan’s leadership, is expected to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes food security, value addition, and agricultural transformation. The Presidency has mandated all NCAN state chapters to be reconstructed and conduct elections within one year, in line with government expectations.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) have been commended for their contributions to the Cashew Policy Roadmap, reaffirming NCAN’s role as a partner in its implementation. The Presidency has expressed its firm support for these reforms, expecting NCAN to operate transparently, democratically, and in full support of government policy under the interim leadership.

The cashew industry is a significant sector in Nigeria’s non-oil export economy, and the government’s efforts to revitalize NCAN are aimed at enhancing the country’s economic diversification. With the new leadership in place, the association is poised to play a vital role in promoting the growth and development of the cashew industry, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and development. The successful implementation of the Cashew Policy Roadmap and the reforms underway are crucial to achieving the country’s non-oil export targets and reducing its dependence on oil revenue.