The Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) has expressed its intention to collaborate with the incoming administration led by Bola Tinubu to revitalize the cocoa industry in the country. While cocoa farming has been an important source of foreign exchange in Nigeria, the industry has been experiencing a lack of regulation and adequate funding from previous administrations.
The CFAN president, Comrade Adeola Adegoke, made this known at the group’s re-election ceremony in Akure. He mentioned that the association’s goal is for Nigeria to become the leading cocoa-producing country globally, and to achieve this, they would work with Tinubu’s administration. The association aims to bring about regulations for the cocoa industry and increase productivity per hectare.
Adegoke further emphasized the need to solidify the National Cocoa Management Committee established by President Buhari. He called for the committee to be provided with National Assembly Acts that would encourage investment in the sector, reinforce the research system, and ensure the availability of subsidised inputs for farmers.
Nigeria’s cocoa industry has faced significant challenges, with low productivity and declining quality in recent years. Adegoke cited this as a reason to initiate a social revolution to create better practices and empowerment for farmers. He further stated that the CFAN would work with the Tinubu administration to bring about quality production of cocoa and the mass empowerment of farmers.
In conclusion, if the right policies are implemented, Nigeria could become a major global producer of cocoa. Collaboration between CFAN and the incoming administration may bring a positive change to the industry, leading to better living standards for farmers and the nation at large.
