June 3, 2025 | Abuja, Nigeria — Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to transforming its cocoa sector from a raw producer to a major global processor, emphasizing value addition and job creation.
During a meeting with Chris Vincent, President of the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), Shettima highlighted the recent approval for the establishment of a National Cocoa Management Board as a key milestone demonstrating government dedication to revitalizing the industry.
“We don’t want to be producers of cocoa; we want to be processors of cocoa because a tonne of cocoa will fetch you \$9,000 now, but processed cocoa will get you \$30,000. If you turn them into chocolate bars, that might fetch you \$50,000,” Shettima explained, stressing the vast economic potential.
He noted Nigeria’s youthful population—with an average age of 17—and available manpower ready to engage in agriculture if given the right opportunities.
Shettima pledged to personally work with Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State to secure 10,000 hectares in Kurmi Local Government Area for expanding cocoa investments.
Chris Vincent underlined the global cocoa supply shortage, which has driven prices up fourfold in the last three years, and expressed optimism that Nigeria’s push for sustainable cocoa production comes at an opportune time.
“This partnership presents a significant opportunity for Nigeria to expand its sustainable cocoa production during this supply deficit,” Vincent said.
The initiative aligns with the Nigerian government’s broader goal of making agriculture the spearhead of economic development, focusing on sustainability and socio-economic welfare.
