Ogun Moves To Boost Cashew Production For Export

Ogun State Government says it is working out modalities to resuscitate cashew production, with the aim of creating more business opportunities within its value chain, in order to raise the revenue profile of the state through the exportation of cashew nuts.

The State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe revealed this during the State Committee on Export (SCEP) meeting at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, adding that the present administration was determined to ensure that Cashew nut processing machine located at Imasai in Yewa North Local Government Area of the State becomes operationalised to stimulate the economy of the area and boost non-oil export.

It would be recalled that a cashew processing machine was initially handed-over to a private firm in 2021.

Longe assured that the Ministry would partner with a private sector player to ensure the machine works adequately and protected, noting that the African Quality Assurance Center constructed by the Afrexim bank would change the face of export in the State and the entire country.

The Commissioner noted that the State would also take advantage of its land mass, favourable weather conditions and best species of cotton plant to make the country the best producer of the produce for both domestic use and exportation, soliciting the cooperation of all stakeholders in the cotton industry.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, who also doubles as the Chairman of SCEP, Mr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, called for a more robust approach to data gathering, to further ensure adequate evaluation of the efforts of the Committee.

On his part, the Trade Advisor, NEPC Smart Office, Abeokuta, Mrs. Francisca Odega lauded the efforts of all the relevant stakeholders involved in the exportation of cash crops, stating that the State's export rating had improved through the Council’s empowerment programmes for cocoa farmers and exporters.

 Odega called on stakeholders to continue to contribute their quota to the increase in export volume from the State, adding that the NEPC should encourage exporters to venture into the processing and exportation of cotton. 

Also speaking, the Olu of Imasayi, Oba Olalekan Kuoye, represented by the Chairman, Cashew Farmers Association, Imasayi, Alhaji Nafiu Durosanya, said the farmers were ready to support the efforts of the government on cashew production.

The SCEP meeting has representatives of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government involved in the process of export business, such as the Ogun State Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ministry of Agriculture, Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Ministry of Information and Strategy and others.