Cocoa Farmers Race to Meet EUDR  Deadline on Sustainability by December

Cocoa farmers in Nigeria are racing to meet the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) deadline on sustainability by December. The EUDR compliance framework applies to the cocoa commodity, with a deadline extended to December 2025 to allow for preparation time.

Failure to comply could result in the rejection of Nigerian cocoa exports to Europe. The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, emphasized the importance of aligning national ambition with global standards to ensure the resilience and competitiveness of the cocoa value chain.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness Productivity Enhancement, Kingsley Uzoma, highlighted the economic importance of cocoa as a cornerstone of the country's diversification agenda. The government is committed to agricultural sustainability, value addition, and meeting global trade standards to drive a greener and more prosperous Nigeria.

Despite progress, there is a need for effective compliance mechanisms and extensive stakeholder engagement to chart a clear path forward.