Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Monday inaugurated the Ondo State Strategic Committee for European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) Compliance, urging stakeholders to align the state’s cocoa sector with emerging global standards.
The ceremony in Akure brought together stakeholders across the cocoa value chain, including farmers, exporters, processors, and commodity associations.
In his address, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the inauguration as a milestone in ensuring the state’s cocoa industry complies with the European Union’s regulation, which prohibits the sale of cocoa, coffee, oil palm, and other agricultural products linked to deforestation in the EU market. The law is set to come into force on 30 December 2025.
“Nigeria is the fourth-largest cocoa exporter in Africa, while Ondo State, the largest cocoa-producing state in Nigeria, accounts for about 40 per cent of the national output.
“With about 60 per cent of our farmers engaged directly in cocoa production, and many more involved in processing, warehousing, marketing and transportation, our cocoa could be at risk if we fail to prepare for EUDR compliance,” the governor said.
He tasked committee members with conducting broad consultations with stakeholders and developing strategies to position Ondo cocoa for global competitiveness.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also acknowledged exporters and processors who have already invested in polygon mapping, agroforestry practices, and sustainability programmes in preparation for the EUDR deadline. He further assured his administration’s support for agroforestry and forest restoration initiatives, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a draft bill to establish the National Cocoa Management Board (NCMB) to regulate and promote sustainable growth in the cocoa subsector.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola, lauded the governor’s commitment to safeguarding the cocoa industry. He said the committee would meet weekly and expressed optimism that Ondo State could achieve in 90 days what countries like Cameroon achieved in four years.
“Cocoa is the backbone of our state’s economy, and with the governor’s support, we are confident of boosting production, increasing revenue and strengthening Ondo’s place as Nigeria’s cocoa leader,” Akinola said.
Also speaking, the National President of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Mr. Adeola Adegoke, pledged the association’s full cooperation with the state government. He emphasised the importance of producing deforestation-free cocoa to protect the environment, secure global market access, and sustain the livelihoods of farmers.
Adegoke urged stakeholders to embrace agroforestry and data-driven mapping systems already initiated by exporters, noting that such measures would ensure EUDR compliance while promoting environmental sustainability.
Fidelis David
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