The Federal Government has dismissed reports claiming that it plans to ban the export of raw cocoa from Nigeria. Officials said the reports are false and clarified that there is no policy stopping cocoa farmers or exporters from selling their products abroad.
According to the government, the main focus is to encourage more local processing of cocoa so that Nigeria can earn more from finished products instead of exporting only raw beans. Officials believe this will create more jobs and increase revenue for the country.
Nigeria is one of Africa’s leading cocoa-producing countries, and the crop remains an important source of income for many farmers. The government said it will continue to support policies that strengthen the cocoa industry while promoting investment in local processing.
The clarification has brought relief to cocoa farmers and exporters who were worried by the earlier reports. Stakeholders hope the government will continue working with the private sector to grow Nigeria’s cocoa industry and make it more competitive globally.