FG denies plan to ban raw cocoa exports

The Federal Government says it is not banning raw cocoa exports but is promoting value addition to maximise earnings from the commodity.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said this in a statement issued on Friday, July 17, 2026.

Kyari said reports claiming that the federal government planned to ban the export of raw cocoa beans did not reflect its policy.

“Our objective is value addition, not an export ban,” he said.

Kyari said under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the government was committed to building a globally competitive cocoa industry by encouraging increased local processing while maintaining Nigeria’s position as a reliable cocoa exporter.

Kyari stated that raw cocoa exports would continue to play an important role as the government expanded domestic processing capacity.

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According to the minister, the goal is to create an enabling environment that attracts investment in cocoa processing, boosts farmers’ incomes, creates jobs, and increases export earnings from every tonne of cocoa produced.

Kyari said the policy also aligns with efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural exports through improved traceability and compliance with international standards, ensuring continued access to premium global markets.

He added: “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.”