Kogi cashew dealers want govt protection against foreign competition

Cashew dealers in Kogi State have appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to come to their aid by preventing foreign competitors from disrupting the cashew market, citing exploitation.

According to the affected farmers, they have asked the government to take prompt action before foreigners drive them out of business and into poverty, as they only exploit the cashew farmers through poor pricing.

They lamented that the issue of poor pricing and exploitation of cashew farmers has been ongoing for over 25 years.
Baba Mohammed, the chairman of the Kogi Cashew Dealers Stakeholders Association, stated that the actions of foreigners (especially Indians) are reducing farmers to poverty because the farmers are engaged in a business that is export-oriented and adds value to the nation’s economy.

He stated that the farmers are seeking the government’s intervention to protect their livelihoods and ensure that the cashew industry benefits the local people while expressing hope that the government would come to their aid.

He said, “In summary, our appeal to the government is simple: We don’t want foreigners, especially the Indians, Chinese, and Vietnamese, to take over the work of the locals. The local people, who should be involved in the process, are being pushed out.”

Makama Adamu, the chairman of the Kogi State chapter of the association, also voiced strong concerns over the growing influence of foreign businesses in local markets, particularly in the cashew export industry.

“It will discourage the country’s citizens if foreigners exploit our hospitality to their advantage, undermining the value chain. We cannot allow them to take over and displace local businesses,” Adamu said.