Nigeria Set to Transform Cocoa Industry as VP Shettima Launches Personal Farm Initiative

Nigeria is poised to redefine its role in the global cocoa market, with Vice President Kashim Shettima leading by example. Amid a surge in global cocoa prices, stakeholders are becoming increasingly interested in cocoa investment opportunities. In a bold move, the Vice President has announced the establishment of his own cocoa farm, highlighting a shift in focus from cocoa production to processing and value addition.

VP Shettima’s Personal Commitment to Agricultural Transformation

While receiving a delegation from the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) led by Chris Vincent at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, VP Shettima revealed his involvement in cocoa farming. According to him, his motive is rooted in social welfare rather than profit. “I want to walk the talk,” Shettima stated, emphasizing that his intention is to create employment and inspire others, not merely to benefit financially. He described his farm as a personal investment in Nigeria’s agricultural renaissance, asserting that his leadership style is hands-on. “Let me take you to my farm and you’ll be convinced that the new Nigerian leadership is actively involved and is itching to drive the process,” he added.

Government-WCF Partnership and Land Allocation Efforts

During the meeting, Shettima expressed the Nigerian government’s readiness to collaborate with the WCF in reforming the cocoa industry and attracting foreign investments. One of the major commitments he made was to facilitate access to land for large-scale cocoa farming. He pledged to help secure 10,000 hectares of land from the Governor of Taraba State to support WCF’s expansion efforts in Nigeria. This aligns with the broader national strategy to shift from being a raw cocoa exporter to becoming a key player in cocoa processing and finished goods production.

Youth Testimonies: Cocoa Farming as a Lucrative Alternative

The cocoa industry’s revival is not just being championed from the top; young Nigerian farmers are also making headlines. A viral video post featured a young cocoa farmer boasting higher earnings than internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “Yahoo boys.” The young man displayed his thriving farm and harvest, stressing that the peace of mind and legitimacy that comes from honest work far outweigh any quick, illegal profits. This message resonated with many on social media, who praised him for being a positive role model and showcasing agriculture as a viable and respectable career path for Nigerian youth.

Cocoa’s Rising Role in Nigeria’s Export Economy

Recent figures underscore cocoa’s growing impact on Nigeria’s non-oil exports. According to reports, cocoa and its by-products—such as cocoa butter, cocoa cake, and cocoa liquor—have collectively pushed non-oil export earnings to $1.7 billion. Cocoa alone now accounts for over 45% of the country’s non-oil exports, far outpacing other products like urea, which holds a 19% share. These statistics highlight the immense economic potential of the cocoa sector, which has historically been underdeveloped despite Nigeria’s fertile growing conditions.

A New Chapter for Nigerian Cocoa

Vice President Shettima’s proactive engagement, the government’s willingness to collaborate with international partners, and the inspirational success stories from young farmers all signal a transformative moment for Nigeria’s cocoa industry. By shifting from export-focused agriculture to processing and value addition, the country is not only aiming to increase revenue but also to create sustainable jobs, boost rural economies, and position itself competitively in the global cocoa value chain.