By Onilede Titi Faith
In a push to meet the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), deadline, the Federal Government convened a high-level Nigeria-EU Cocoa Roundtable on EUDR Compliance in Abuja.
Organized by the Office of the Vice President, the meeting brought together senior policymakers, EU representatives, cocoa producers, exporters, development partners, and civil society organizations to align Nigeria’s cocoa value chain with global sustainability standards.
Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to full compliance with the EUDR, which mandates that all cocoa exports to the EU must be traceable, legally produced, and free from deforestation since December 31, 2020.
With the EU accounting for over 60% of Nigeria’s cocoa export market, participants stressed that adherence is essential for environmental protection and continued market access.
Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement, emphasized cocoa’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic transformation and green economy strategy, citing recent export growth as evidence of the sector’s potential.
Ajayi Olutobaba, representing the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted ongoing initiatives to develop a unified national traceability system.
Minister Jumoke Oduwole described the compliance drive as both a challenge and an opportunity for Nigeria, Africa’s fourth-largest cocoa exporter.
Participants called for enhanced technical support, improved access to financing, and stronger institutional coordination to ensure a smooth transition to EUDR-aligned operations.
Taiwo Osho, Sustainability Manager at Tulip Cocoa Processes Ltd., underscored the urgent need for clear definitions of protected land boundaries to prevent deforestation-related farming activities.
