FG pledges to reclaim cocoa sovereignty at ICCF
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari (Centre) during the International Cocoa and Chocolate Forum (ICCF) 2026 in London, England.
Omeiza Bilal
The federal government has stressed its commitment to reclaiming Nigeria’s rightful position among the world’s top cocoa-producing countries so as to boost job creation, economic growth, and food security in the country
The Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari made this disclosure on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the International Cocoa and Chocolate Forum (ICCF 2026) in London, UK.
Speaking on the theme “Reclaiming Value, Shaping Rules: Nigeria’s Vision for Cocoa Sovereignty”, Kyari highlighted that the country has natural advantages in cocoa production, including fertile soils, suitable agro-ecological zones, and a deeply rooted farming tradition.
The Minister disclosed that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration is committed to supporting sustainable development initiatives, promoting responsible foreign investment, and advancing efforts to increase productivity, expand trade, and deepen economic activity across the agricultural sector
He revealed that Nigeria is strengthening economic ties through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance intra-African trade and global competitiveness. This aims to promote regulatory compliance, carbon-smart cocoa production, and youth inclusion in agriculture.
The Minister added that Nigeria has gazetted its Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions and is advancing AfCFTA implementation, projected to boost intra-African trade by 53.3% by 2026 while also engaging with international partners like the EU and CPTPP to promote trade sovereignty
He stated further that to support sustainable cocoa production, Nigeria has among others, enacted the Climate Change Act, committed to the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and established the National Task Force on its Compliance as well as developed a National Cocoa Development Plan
The Minister outlined Nigeria’s efforts to ensure EUDR compliance, including the establishment of the National Task Force on EUDR Compliance and the development of a White Paper on EUDR implementation, noting that Nigeria aims to convert EUDR compliance into a competitive advantage through public-private partnerships, geospatial capabilities, and innovative financing solutions.
Sen Kyari emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable development, climate resilience, and youth inclusion in the cocoa sector. The country has enacted the Climate Change Act, articulated a clear pathway to net-zero emissions by 2060, and is implementing the National Cocoa Development Plan to promote modern farming practices and value chain development.
He noted that “Nigeria is among others, focusing on climate-smart agriculture, green compliance, adoption of sustainable practices that enhance crop resilience and mitigate the impacts of climate change as well as improving farmers livelihoods through targeted training, access to finance, and stronger market linkages”.
He hailed the meeting as a crucial step towards revitalizing cocoa production and promoting economic development in Nigeria and Africa, commending its conveners, particularly HRM Oba Dokun Thompson, for creating a platform for partnership, dialogue, and cultural exchange that can drive socio-economic growth across the continent.
Highlight of the event includes the presentation of a Special Award for Transforming Nigeria’s Cocoa Industry to the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.
