NACCIMA Praises FG's Ban on Raw Cocoa Exports

Jani Ibrahim, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing a ban on the export of raw cocoa beans. Ibrahim characterized the ban as a timely and strategic intervention that aligns with NACCIMA’s advocacy for value addition and industrialization.

He emphasized that Nigeria must move beyond being a mere exporter of raw agricultural commodities to reap greater economic benefits from processing and manufacturing. Ibrahim stated that prioritizing local cocoa processing is a significant step towards transforming Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, which would increase foreign exchange earnings, stimulate investments in processing facilities, and create thousands of jobs.

He also noted that the policy could catalyze growth in the manufacturing and agro-processing sectors, strengthening connections among farmers, processors, exporters, and other stakeholders in the cocoa value chain. Additionally, Ibrahim mentioned NACCIMA's role in championing the Nigeria Infrastructure Conference (INFRACON) to address infrastructure deficits.