Agroforce Boss Blames Government Neglect for Decline of Nigeria’s Cocoa Industry

By Adekunle Aliyu

Mr. Arajulu Olatubosun, Country Manager of Swiss cocoa trading firm Agroforce Commodities SA, has strongly criticized the Nigerian government for allowing the country’s cocoa industry to fall into decline. Speaking at a recent stakeholders’ seminar, the seasoned agricultural economist warned that unless urgent steps are taken, Nigeria risks losing out entirely on the immense economic benefits the crop once provided.

“Cocoa used to be Nigeria’s pride, a major source of revenue, employment, and development in rural areas,” Mr. Olatubosun said. “But today, the sector has been reduced to a shadow of itself—largely due to government neglect, inconsistent policies, and lack of investment.”

Once a Leader, Now Left Behind

Nigeria was once the world’s second-largest cocoa producer in the 1960s. Today, it ranks fifth, behind countries like Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. According to Olatubosun, this sharp decline was not accidental, but the result of a lack of strategic planning and sustained support from the government.

He noted that while other cocoa-producing nations have modernized their industries and supported farmers through subsidies, training, and infrastructure, Nigeria has left its farmers to fend for themselves.

“There’s no clear policy direction, no working cocoa development plan. Governments come and go, launching projects with enthusiasm but abandoning them midway due to politics and lack of continuity,” he said.

Major Problems Facing the Sector

Aging Trees and Aging Farmers
A major issue, he said, is the aging cocoa trees that dominate Nigerian farms—over 60% are no longer productive. At the same time, most cocoa farmers are elderly, with little effort being made to bring young people into the sector.

“Youth don’t see a future in cocoa farming because the support systems are simply not there,” he added.

No Value Addition, No Profit
Mr. Olatubosun also criticized the government’s failure to promote local cocoa processing. Instead of adding value and creating jobs, Nigeria continues to export raw cocoa beans, leaving the real profits to foreign companies.

“We are exporting raw materials and importing finished products at a premium. That’s economic backwardness,” he said. “Processors here can’t survive under the current conditions—power is unreliable, credit is hard to get, and the tax burden is too heavy.”

Security and Land Issues Drive Farmers Away
The situation is further worsened by rising insecurity in cocoa-producing regions. Bandit attacks, land disputes, and lack of clear land ownership rights have made farming unsafe and unattractive.

“No investor will put money where there is no safety or land protection. Security and land reform are critical if we’re serious about reviving cocoa,” he warned.

What Needs to Be Done

Despite the bleak outlook, Mr. Olatubosun believes that a turnaround is possible if the government treats cocoa as a priority.

He recommended:
• A comprehensive National Cocoa Revival Plan backed by real funding, not just political talk.
• Investment in agricultural research and improved cocoa varieties.
• Incentives to draw young Nigerians into cocoa farming and processing.
• Infrastructure development, reliable power supply, and financial support for local processors.
• Stronger land tenure laws and efforts to make farming communities safer.

A Missed Opportunity

“This country is sitting on gold and acting like it’s sand,” Mr. Olatubosun said. “Cocoa can generate billions, employ thousands, and revitalize rural economies—but only if we stop paying lip service and take deliberate, long-term action.”

His message was clear: without political will and policy consistency, Nigeria’s cocoa industry will remain stuck in decline, while other nations reap the benefits from what was once one of Nigeria’s greatest economic assets.