At a recent stakeholders’ seminar, Mr. Arajulu Olatubosun, Country Manager of Agroforce Commodities SA, a Swiss-based cocoa trading firm, delivered a blunt and sobering critique of the Nigerian government’s handling of the cocoa industry. Speaking as a seasoned agricultural economist with over two decades of experience, Mr. Olatubosun lamented the decline of a sector that once stood as the pride of Nigeria’s non-oil exports.

“Cocoa was once the backbone of Nigeria’s economy,” he said, “but today, it’s been reduced to an afterthought. Successive governments have failed to harness its potential for revenue, employment, and rural development.”

From Global Giant to Struggling Player

In the 1960s, Nigeria held the position of the world’s second-largest cocoa producer. Today, it ranks fifth—trailing behind countries like Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, which previously learned from Nigeria’s expertise. Mr. Olatubosun attributed this dramatic fall to decades of policy neglect and poor leadership.

Key Challenges Crippling the Industry

Lack of Policy Direction and Investment Support

Unlike neighbouring countries where cocoa farming enjoys price supports, subsidies, and infrastructural backing, Nigeria’s cocoa sector has been largely abandoned by policymakers.

“There’s no functional cocoa master plan,” Mr. Olatubosun said. “Most government projects are short-lived, politicised, and rarely see meaningful implementation.”

Aging Trees and Farmers

According to him, over 60% of cocoa trees in Nigeria are beyond their productive years. Meanwhile, most farmers are elderly, and there’s little incentive for youth participation.

“Young people aren’t interested because the government hasn’t made cocoa farming viable or attractive,” he noted.

Raw Export Model Hurts Local Economy

Rather than building a value chain, Nigeria continues to export raw cocoa beans. Local processors face enormous challenges such as unreliable electricity, poor access to finance, and high taxes.

“We’re exporting jobs and importing poverty,” he stated. “The countries buying our raw cocoa and turning it into chocolate are the ones making real money.”

Insecurity and Land Tenure Problems

Ongoing insecurity in cocoa-producing areas, especially in the southwest, and unresolved land ownership issues have further discouraged investment and farming.

“No one will invest in what they cannot protect,” Mr. Olatubosun warned. “Without security and clear land rights, the sector will remain stunted.”

Charting a Path Forward

Despite these challenges, Mr. Olatubosun believes the cocoa industry can still be revived—if the government is willing to take decisive and sustained action. He proposed the following steps:

• Establishing and implementing a National Cocoa Revival Plan backed by real funding and political will.
• Investing in research, improved seedlings, and robust extension services.
• Creating incentives to attract youth involvement in cocoa farming and agribusiness.
• Supporting local processors with better infrastructure, access to finance, and tax relief.
• Addressing rural insecurity and overhauling land tenure laws to protect farmers and attract investors.

A Call for Urgent Attention

“The future of Nigeria’s cocoa industry lies in deliberate, sustained action,” Mr. Olatubosun emphasised. “Until the government takes cocoa seriously as a strategic national asset, we will continue to waste an opportunity that could transform countless lives.”

His words serve as a wake-up call—not just to the government, but to all stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural future.