FG Denies Raw Cocoa Export Ban
The Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting it plans to ban the export of raw cocoa beans, clarifying that its focus is on expanding local processing and increasing value addition rather than imposing an outright export restriction.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, made the clarification following media reports that the government was considering a ban on raw cocoa exports. He said no such policy has been approved, stressing that Nigeria remains committed to promoting a competitive cocoa industry while creating incentives for domestic processing.
According to the minister, the government’s priority is to ensure that more of Nigeria’s cocoa is processed locally into products such as cocoa butter, cocoa liquor, cocoa powder and chocolate before reaching international markets. He noted that this approach would generate higher export earnings, create jobs and strengthen the country’s agro-industrial base.
Kyari explained that while Nigeria is one of Africa’s leading cocoa producers, a significant portion of its harvest is still exported as raw beans, limiting the country’s ability to capture greater value from the global cocoa market. He said the Tinubu administration is implementing policies aimed at encouraging investment in cocoa processing facilities, improving access to finance for processors and supporting farmers to increase productivity.
The minister added that the government is working closely with stakeholders across the cocoa value chain to develop sustainable policies that balance the interests of farmers, exporters and manufacturers. Rather than banning exports, he said the objective is to create an enabling environment that makes local processing more attractive and commercially viable.
The clarification comes amid growing calls for Nigeria to emulate major cocoa-producing countries that are increasing domestic processing to maximise foreign exchange earnings. Industry experts have argued that exporting finished or semi-processed cocoa products offers significantly higher returns than shipping raw beans alone.
The Federal Government said ongoing reforms in the agricultural sector are designed to transform Nigeria from a major exporter of raw commodities into a producer of value-added agricultural products capable of competing in global markets.
Officials also reiterated that any major policy changes affecting agricultural exports would be preceded by extensive consultations with farmers, processors, exporters and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and protect the livelihoods of those in the sector.
The government maintained that boosting value addition remains central to its food security and economic diversification agenda, with cocoa identified as one of the strategic commodities capable of driving industrial growth, export expansion and increased foreign exchange earnings.
