NACCIMA applauds FG’s cocoa processing drive, seeks enabling business environment

Stanley Ihedigbo

National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engr. Jani Ibrahim, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing that Nigeria should halt the export of raw cocoa beans and instead prioritise local processing and value addition.

Describing the policy as a bold and strategic step towards industrialisation, Engr. Ibrahim said the initiative aligns with NACCIMA’s long-standing advocacy for the development of local industries, expansion of manufacturing capacity, and the promotion of value-added exports capable of creating employment and strengthening the nation’s economy.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of NACCIMA, Mrs. Madinat Adigun-Oladotun.

According to the NACCIMA President, Nigeria can no longer afford to remain a major exporter of raw agricultural commodities while other countries earn significantly higher revenues from processing the same products into finished goods.

He noted that the decision to encourage local cocoa processing would significantly transform Nigeria’s agricultural value chain by stimulating investment in processing facilities, increasing foreign exchange earnings, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, promoting technology transfer, and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian cocoa products in the international market.

Engr. Ibrahim stated that the policy has the potential to unlock new opportunities across the manufacturing and agro-processing sectors while strengthening collaboration among cocoa farmers, processors, exporters, investors, and other stakeholders in the value chain.

He, however, cautioned that the policy’s success would largely depend on the Federal Government’s ability to create an enabling business environment that supports local industries.

According to him, critical areas requiring urgent attention include the provision of reliable electricity, improved transportation infrastructure, access to affordable financing, consistent government policies, and incentives that will encourage private sector investments in cocoa processing and value addition.

The NACCIMA President said these infrastructure challenges informed the association’s decision to champion the Nigeria Infrastructure Conference (INFRACON), recently held to mobilise private sector investment towards addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure deficits.

He stressed that improved infrastructure remains essential for achieving sustainable industrial growth and ensuring that manufacturers remain competitive both locally and internationally.

Reaffirming NACCIMA’s commitment to national economic development, Engr. Ibrahim pledged the association’s continued collaboration with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the cocoa processing policy.

He expressed confidence that with the right policy support and sustained investment, Nigeria’s cocoa industry could become a major driver of industrial growth, job creation, increased export earnings, and long-term economic prosperity.

The association maintained that the policy represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards economic diversification and industrial transformation, urging all stakeholders to support its successful implementation for the benefit of farmers, manufacturers, investors, and the Nigerian economy at large.