By Asuquo Cletus
The Federal Government has outlined its strategic plan to boost cocoa production in Nigeria, with the ultimate goal of surpassing leading cocoa-producing nations.
The plan focuses on promoting local processing, providing support to cocoa farmers, and investing in research and development to enhance productivity and global competitiveness.
Speaking during a visit to the AA Universal Bean and Co. Ltd cocoa factory in Ikom, Cross River State, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, underscored the need for Nigeria to transition from being a mere exporter of raw materials to a nation that adds value to its natural resources through industrial processing. The visit was led by the company’s Managing Director, Ilan Lugassy, and its Chairman, Chris A. Agara.
Senator Enoh stated that the visit was part of his broader efforts to drive industrial development in Cross River State and encourage private sector participation in the cocoa industry. He revealed that he had approved over 100 Import Duty Exemption Certificates (IDECs) to facilitate the operations of cocoa processing factories. He further assured that the Federal Government would continue to support the facility, as its operations would stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities for the people of the state.
“I had never visited here before, but I now see that this facility is a key hub for cocoa processing,” Senator Enoh remarked.
“After serving as Minister of Sports Development, Mr. President appointed me as Minister of State for Industry. Now, issues concerning the cocoa industry, manufacturing, and industrial processes have become central to my mandate.
“My responsibility is to champion industrialisation and the processing of raw materials into finished goods. I come from a local government where all four cocoa estates established by the former Eastern Regional Government are located.
“Since assuming office, I have signed hundreds of approvals for IDECs, enabling companies like yours to import machinery critical to their operations.
“I want to assure you that Cross River State will become the epicentre of cocoa distribution in the coming years.
“For too long, the issue of the cocoa industry in my local government has been heavily politicised. This facility represents the first genuine attempt to move beyond rhetoric and develop a viable cocoa processing industry.
“I am proud to have witnessed this historic milestone, and we will continue to collaborate with both the public and private sectors to advance industrial growth,” the minister declared.
Senator Enoh also emphasised that the visit aimed to create an enabling environment for foreign direct investment and strengthen public-private partnerships. Additionally, he reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that cocoa processing in Nigeria meets international standards, thereby boosting the sectorโs global competitiveness.
In his remarks, the Chairman of AA Universal Bean and Co. Ltd, Chris Agara, expressed gratitude for the minister’s visit and pledged the company’s commitment to the economic development of Cross River State.
“I am delighted and deeply appreciative of the Honourable Minister’s visit. Today is highly significant and encouraging for us, particularly given the short notice.
“We are determined to build on this visit to achieve greater economic benefits for Cross River and Nigeria. I assure you that if you return in 24 months, our second processing line will be fully operational. We have made substantial progress in sourcing materials, conducting studies, and planning the necessary infrastructure.
“At the moment, cocoa farming and harvesting activities are at a low ebb, which is why operations here appear less intense. However, when the peak cocoa season returns, you will witness a significant increase in activity.
“Our core focus is on exporting processed cocoa rather than raw cocoa beans. The price of cocoa beans is subject to international fluctuations, as global buyers dictate market prices. It is unrealistic to assume that the current pricing trends will be sustainable in the long term.
“International traders can manipulate market conditions to lower the price of cocoa beans. However, the value of processed cocoa productsโsuch as cocoa butter, cocoa liquor, and cocoa powderโremains stable regardless of fluctuations in raw cocoa prices.
“This is the competitive advantage we intend to leverage. Our goal is to ensure that our cocoa is fully processed before export, aligning with global best practices in value addition,” Agara stated.
