By Abasi Ita
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Cross River State Coordinating Office, has concluded a one day workshop aimed at strengthening the cocoa value chain and enhancing the state’s contribution to Nigeria’s non oil export sector.
The workshop, themed “The Development of the Cocoa Value Chain Using the Cluster and Cooperative Model,” was held in Calabar and brought together stakeholders from government agencies, the private sector, farmers’ associations, cooperatives, exporters and development organizations.
In his welcome address, the Acting State Coordinator of NEPC, Mr. Owoicho Oklobia, said the workshop was designed to expose cocoa farmers in the state to innovative practices that would improve productivity, optimize profits and attract greater investment across the cocoa value chain.
According to him, cocoa remains one of Nigeria’s most important non oil export commodities, making it imperative for stakeholders to strengthen collaboration to unlock its full economic potential.
“Cocoa remains a key non oil export commodity. This calls for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to unlock its full economic potential, not only to increase production but also to boost the capacity of local farmers, maximize returns and expand cocoa cultivation,” he said.
Declaring the workshop open, the Cross River State Commissioner for Commerce, Dr. Abigail Duke, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working closely with relevant stakeholders to harness the state’s vast agricultural potential for job creation and economic growth.
Represented by the Director of Cooperatives, Mrs. Priscilla Phillips, the commissioner said the present administration was introducing innovative approaches to ensure that farmers and agro investors maximize their returns in a conducive business environment.
“The government remains committed to effective collaboration with stakeholders to achieve set targets and drive sustainable agricultural development,” she stated.
In his remarks, President of the Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (CALCIMA), Mr. Kelly Ayamba, commended NEPC for organizing the workshop, describing it as a timely initiative that would strengthen the cocoa industry and improve the competitiveness of local farmers in the export market.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of CALCIMA, Mr. Ken Assim Ita; Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs. Glory Odu Oji; State Coordinator of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Mr. Obot Arinze; as well as representatives of the Ministry of Commerce, exporters and farmer groups, expressed appreciation for the workshop. They noted that the programme would enhance farmers’ knowledge, improve productivity and promote sustainable growth within the cocoa sector.
A major highlight of the workshop was a presentation by Mr. Ken Assim Ita of CALCIMA on the Cluster Cooperative Dual Model for cocoa value chain development. He explained that properly structured farmer clusters and cooperatives would improve productivity, product quality, traceability, access to finance, value addition and market linkages.
The interactive session provided participants with an opportunity to discuss challenges affecting cocoa production, processing, financing and export, while proposing practical solutions to strengthen the sector.
The workshop ended with a call for increased investment in cocoa development, stronger stakeholder collaboration and wider adoption of cooperative models to position Cross River State as a leading cocoa production and export hub in Nigeria.