Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated Nigeria’s strong commitment to revitalizing its cocoa industry and strengthening the country’s agricultural value chain, with the goal of becoming a key player in global cocoa processing rather than merely exporting raw cocoa.

Shettima made this known during a meeting in Abuja with Chris Vincent, President of the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF).

He highlighted the Federal Government’s recent approval of the National Cocoa Management Board as a clear sign of its resolve to transform the sector.

The WCF has expressed readiness to collaborate with Nigeria to rejuvenate its cocoa industry in line with the European Union’s sustainability standards.

Shettima further stressed the country’s abundant human resources and the enthusiasm of its youthful population to contribute to agricultural development.

“We don’t want to remain just cocoa producers; our aim is to become cocoa processors. While a tonne of raw cocoa sells for around $9,000, processed cocoa can fetch up to $30,000, and if converted into chocolate bars, it could reach $50,000,” he explained.

“With the average age in Nigeria being 17, we have a dynamic and energetic youth population ready to work, provided the right opportunities are available. I’m speaking from the heart,” he added.