Ondo state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the state retains its position as Nigeria’s leading cocoa producer.
The governor made this known in Akure while inaugurating members of the Ondo State Strategic Committee for European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) Compliance.
Speaking at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, Aiyedatiwa noted that Ondo accounts for about 40 percent of Nigeria’s cocoa production, making it the largest cocoa-producing state in the country.
He explained that the inauguration of the committee, which draws stakeholders from across the cocoa value chain – farmers, exporters, processors, and commodity associations – marks a significant step toward aligning the state’s cocoa industry with international sustainability standards.
The governor also disclosed that the EU regulation, which comes into effect on December 30, 2025, prohibits the sale of cocoa, coffee, oil palm, and other agricultural products linked to deforestation in European markets.
“Nigeria is the fourth-largest cocoa exporter in Africa, while Ondo State accounts for about 40 percent of national output.
“With around 60 percent of our farmers engaged in cocoa cultivation, and many others in processing, warehousing, marketing, and transportation, our cocoa sector could be at risk if we fail to prepare for EUDR compliance,” Aiyedatiwa warned.
He urged the committee to engage in broad stakeholder consultations and design strategies that would position Ondo cocoa for global competitiveness.
The governor also commended exporters and processors who have already invested in polygon mapping, agroforestry practices, and sustainability initiatives ahead of the deadline.
While pledging his administration’s continued support for agroforestry and forest restoration, Aiyedatiwa lauded President Bola Tinubu for approving the draft bill to establish the National Cocoa Management Board (NCMB), which he said would regulate and promote sustainable growth in the subsector.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola applauded the governor’s foresight, stressing that the committee would work vigorously to meet its goals.
He expressed confidence that, with cooperation, Ondo could achieve in 90 days what took countries like Cameroon four years to accomplish.
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“Cocoa is the backbone of our state’s economy, and with the governor’s support, we are confident of boosting production, increasing revenue, and strengthening Ondo’s place as Nigeria’s cocoa leader,” Akinola said.
Also speaking, the National President of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Mr. Adeola Adegoke, pledged the association’s full cooperation with the state government.
He stressed the need to produce deforestation-free cocoa to protect the environment, secure global market access, and sustain farmers’ livelihoods.
Adegoke urged stakeholders to embrace agroforestry and data-driven mapping systems already introduced by exporters, noting that such measures would not only ensure compliance with the EUDR but also guarantee long-term environmental sustainability.