FG Denies Plan To Ban Raw Cocoa Exports

The Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting it plans to ban the export of raw cocoa beans, insisting that its focus is on boosting local value addition rather than restricting exports.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, made the clarification in a statement on Friday, saying the government’s cocoa policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is aimed at strengthening local processing while preserving Nigeria’s position as a major cocoa exporter.

Kyari stressed that raw cocoa exports would continue to play a vital role as the country expands its domestic processing capacity.

“Our objective is value addition, not an export ban,” the minister said.

He explained that the Federal Government’s strategy is to build a globally competitive cocoa industry by creating an enabling environment that attracts investment in local processing, raises farmers’ incomes, generates employment and enables Nigeria to earn more from every tonne of cocoa produced.

According to him, the policy is also designed to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural exports through improved traceability and compliance with international standards, ensuring continued access to premium global markets.

“The message is clear: the Federal Government is not banning raw cocoa exports. We are promoting value addition so that Nigeria captures more value from its cocoa while remaining competitive in the global market,” Kyari stated.

The clarification comes amid public debate over the Federal Government’s plans for the cocoa sector, with concerns emerging that authorities were considering prohibiting the export of raw cocoa beans. 

The minister, however, maintained that the government’s priority is to deepen domestic processing without disrupting Nigeria’s export trade.