By Modupe Oluremi
The Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC) recently participated in the Aquan Forum 8.0, focusing on Agricultural Value Chain Development as a key strategy for unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential through tree crops including cocoa, cashew, coconut, coffee, kolanut, and tea.
The event, anchored by Ambassador Abiodun Olaniyi, Executive Director of Agriquest Africa Network, brought together key stakeholders to discuss the prospects and challenges of developing Nigeria’s tree crop value chain.
The RMRDC team was led by Ondo State Coordinator, Mrs. Tejumola F.A., who spoke extensively about the mandate, vision, and mission of RMRDC. Who emphasized the critical importance of value addition to tree crop products before exporting.
In his welcome address, Amb. Olaniyi described the program as aligned with the renewed hope agenda envisioned for the country, noting that Ondo State serves as a hub for tree crop activities and expressing confidence that the forum would positively change investors’ mindset toward the sector.
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Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Akinyemi A. Fadiyimu, who was represented by Mr. Bayode B.O., a tree crop specialist, emphasized agriculture’s fundamental role as the major source of food and encouraged active participation from attendees.
Mr. Oladele Oluwafemi from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI) outlined his ministry’s role in promoting agricultural commodities and non-oil products through the commodity export department.
He explained that FMITI’s central strategy focuses on shifting from raw material exports to value-added processing, aimed at increasing revenue, creating jobs, and enhancing Nigeria’s position in the global market.
Oluwafemi highlighted the ministry’s development of a 10-year national cocoa plan and efforts to promote local processing of raw cashew nuts to kernels and other derivatives, recognizing the significant economic losses from exporting unprocessed produce. He also emphasized FMITI’s ongoing collaboration with RMRDC on coconut development as a key crop for economic diversification.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Orisasona from the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria explained the institute’s research activities on economic tree crops such as cocoa, cashew, kolanut, and coconut. He showcased the institute’s work in crop protection, integrated pest management, post-harvest handling, and value addition, displaying various products derived from cocoa beans including cocoa bread, chocolate powder, and cocoa spirite.
Mrs. Peace Effiong, Managing Director of Primet Logistics, addressed the critical aspect of agro-logistics and proper packaging to maintain product freshness from farm to market. She emphasized the importance of meeting standard specifications for export products and identified major challenges including post-harvest issues, lack of compliance and documentation, inadequate transportation infrastructure from farms, and lengthy waits for product certification due to limited laboratory facilities.
Effiong further highlighted the problem of product mishandling before export, which increases the risk of international rejection, and explained that export farming requires different approaches, particularly regarding the use of certain chemicals and fertilizers that can compromise product quality.
During the interactive session, participants raised concerns about security challenges, expensive seedlings, and poor soil fertility. The discussions concluded with a call for government intervention, including the provision of quality seedlings, rehabilitation of old farms, boosting local consumption, and creating an enabling environment for both farmers and exporters.
Ambassador Olaniyi expressed appreciation for the full participation of all attendees and declared the program a success, noting that the forum had achieved its objective of creating a roadmap for Nigeria’s tree crop development sector.
The event, anchored by Ambassador Abiodun Olaniyi, Executive Director of Agriquest Africa Network, brought together key stakeholders to discuss the prospects and challenges of developing Nigeria’s tree crop value chain.
