The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reclaiming Nigeria’s position among the world’s leading cocoa-producing countries as part of efforts to boost job creation, economic growth, and food security.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, made this known at the International Cocoa and Chocolate Forum (ICCF 2026) held in London, United Kingdom, according to a statement signed by the Head of the Department of Information, Ikem Ezeaja.

Speaking on the theme “Reclaiming Value, Shaping Rules: Nigeria’s Vision for Cocoa Sovereignty,” Kyari highlighted Nigeria’s natural advantages in cocoa production, including fertile soils, favourable 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 activities 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, noting that the move aims to promote regulatory compliance, carbon-smart cocoa production, and youth inclusion in agriculture.

Kyari added that Nigeria has gazetted its Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions and is advancing AfCFTA implementation, which is projected to boost intra-African trade by 53.3 per cent by 2026, while also engaging international partners such as the European Union and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to promote trade sovereignty.

He further stated that to support sustainable cocoa production, Nigeria has, among other measures, enacted the Climate Change Act, committed to the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), established a National Task Force on EUDR Compliance, and 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.

He noted that Nigeria aims to convert EUDR compliance into a competitive advantage through public-private partnerships, geospatial capabilities, and innovative financing solutions.

Senator Kyari emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable development, climate resilience, and youth inclusion in the cocoa sector, disclosing that 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 among others, is 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”.

The minister hailed the forum as a crucial step toward revitalising cocoa production and promoting economic development in Nigeria and across Africa.

He commended the conveners of the event, particularly HRM Oba Dokun Thompson, for creating a platform for partnership, dialogue, and cultural exchange capable of driving socio-economic growth on the continent.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of a Special Award for Transforming Nigeria’s Cocoa Industry to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.