C'River: NEPC Seeks Stronger Ties to Boost Cocoa Production
By Ekanem Asuquo
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to unlock the full potential of cocoa production and enhance Cross River State's contribution to Nigeria's non oil export earnings.
The call was made during a one day workshop on cocoa value chain development held in Calabar. The programme, themed "The Development of the Cocoa Value Chain Using the Cluster and Cooperative Model," brought together government officials, farmers, cooperatives, exporters, development partners and private sector operators.
Speaking at the event, the Acting State Coordinator of NEPC, Mr. Owoicho Oklobia, said the workshop was designed to expose cocoa farmers to innovative practices that would improve productivity, increase profitability and attract greater investment into the sector.
He noted that cocoa remains one of Nigeria's most important non oil export commodities and stressed the need for stronger partnerships to boost production, improve farmers' capacity and maximize returns along the value chain.
Cross River State Commissioner for Commerce, Dr. Abigail Duke, represented by the Director of Cooperatives, Mrs. Priscilla Phillips, reaffirmed the state government's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote agricultural development and economic growth.
She said the government was implementing policies aimed at creating a favourable environment for farmers and agro investors, adding that effective collaboration among stakeholders remained critical to achieving sustainable growth in the sector.
President of the Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mr. Kelly Ayamba, commended NEPC for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that would strengthen the cocoa industry and improve farmers' competitiveness in export markets.
A major highlight of the workshop was a presentation by CALCIMA Executive Secretary, Mr. Ken Assim Ita, on the Cluster Cooperative Dual Model for cocoa value chain development. He explained that well structured farmer clusters and cooperatives would improve productivity, quality control, access to finance, value addition and market linkages.
The workshop ended with participants calling for increased investment in cocoa development, stronger stakeholder cooperation and wider adoption of cooperative models to position Cross River as a leading cocoa producing and export hub in Nigeria.
