The Federal Government has denied plans to ban the export of raw cocoa beans, saying its policy is focused on increasing local processing and value addition.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, made the clarification in a statement issued on July 17, 2026, following public discussions suggesting that the government planned to prohibit raw cocoa exports.
“The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has noted public discussions suggesting that the Federal Government intends to ban the export of raw cocoa beans. This is not the position of the Government,” Kyari said.
He said the government’s objective was to promote value addition while maintaining Nigeria’s position as a reliable cocoa exporter.
“Our objective is value addition, not an export ban,” the Minister said.
Kyari said the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, was committed to developing a globally competitive cocoa industry by encouraging greater domestic processing.
He added that raw cocoa exports would continue to play an important role as Nigeria expands its domestic processing capacity.
According to him, the government’s approach is aimed at attracting investment in cocoa processing, increasing farmers’ incomes, creating jobs and enabling Nigeria to earn more from every tonne of cocoa produced.
Kyari also said the policy was consistent with efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural exports through improved traceability and compliance with international standards.
He said the measures would help Nigeria maintain access to premium global markets while increasing the value derived from its cocoa sector.
“The message is clear: the Federal Government is not banning raw cocoa exports. We are promoting value addition so that Nigeria captures more value from its cocoa while remaining competitive in the global market,” he said.
The statement was signed by Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, on July 17, 2026.
