Rethinking Nigeria's cocoa strategy

Nigeria, known for its high-quality cocoa, is working to revitalize its cocoa industry through innovation and sustainability initiatives. John Alamu, the Group Managing Director of Johnvents, recently discussed strategies to boost local processing, support farmers, and invest in research and development to position Nigeria as a powerhouse in cocoa production in Africa. With a recent $40.5 million investment, the company aims to optimize production efficiency and enhance sustainability and traceability. Alamu highlighted the need for Nigeria to improve the quality of seedlings to increase cocoa production. Despite having more land dedicated to cocoa cultivation than Ghana, Nigeria has fallen behind in both quality and quantity. Emphasizing the importance of government support for farmers, Alamu stressed the significance of providing seedlings, training on agronomic practices, and promoting sustainable agriculture to enhance the industry's competitiveness. Moreover, Alamu outlined the company's sustainability and traceability goals, aiming for 100% traceable cocoa, with at least 90% certified by 2027. By supporting 150,000 farmers with inputs and training on organic farming, the program addresses concerns such as child labor and pesticide residues. Through capacity-building and promoting sustainable practices, Johnvents seeks to lead the way in producing ethically sourced cocoa. As Nigeria's largest cocoa processor, Johnvents focuses on value addition to maximize the country's cocoa revenue. By processing cocoa butter and cake for export, the company aims to enhance the value chain and contribute to Nigeria's economic growth. Alamu underscored the importance of reducing production costs to compete globally, particularly addressing challenges at the ports that affect export competitiveness. To attract investment and drive growth, Alamu highlighted the need for smart agriculture practices and youth inclusion in the cocoa industry. By engaging the youth and encouraging innovation, Nigeria can transform its cocoa sector and appeal to a new generation of entrepreneurs. Alamu called for action to implement initiatives outlined in the 10-year cocoa agenda and emphasized the urgency of proactive measures to propel Nigeria's cocoa industry forward. With a focus on creative marketing, product innovation, and increasing local consumption, Nigeria's cocoa industry holds vast potential for expansion. Alamu's insights underscored the critical importance of strategic partnerships and government support to unlock Nigeria's position as a leading cocoa producer in Africa. As the industry evolves, innovation and sustainability remain key drivers for Nigeria's cocoa sector's future success.