Farmers Threaten Nationwide Protest Over Missing Cocoa Board Bill at National Assembly

 

Cocoa farmers and key industry stakeholders have raised alarm over the alleged disappearance of the Executive Cocoa Board Bill at the National Assembly, describing the development as unacceptable and a setback to efforts aimed at reviving Nigeria’s cocoa sector.

The Cocoa Roundtable Initiative, CORI, disclosed that it is mobilising farmers and stakeholders across cocoa-producing communities for a peaceful protest to demand accountability and immediate legislative action on the bill.

In a statement issued by its Director-General, Mr. Adeola Adegoke, CORI said the executive bill was transmitted to the House of Representatives on November 10 and to the Senate on November 13, but has since failed to appear on the legislative agenda of both chambers.

Adegoke, who also serves as National President of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, CFAN, and Global President of the Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa, COFAAA, warned that the situation poses a serious threat to the sustainability and growth of the cocoa industry.

He said stakeholders would not remain silent while efforts to strengthen regulatory structures and improve farmers’ livelihoods are being undermined.

According to him, the proposed Cocoa Board Bill is designed to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the industry, promote sustainable production, improve market access, and attract both local and foreign investments into the cocoa value chain.

He noted that farmers and investors have waited patiently for the passage of the bill, adding that its continued delay has created uncertainty across the sector.

CORI said the planned protests would be peaceful and conducted within the ambit of the law across cocoa-producing areas of the country. The group, however, did not disclose a specific date for the demonstrations.

The organisation also called on the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, to urgently intervene and ensure that the bill is restored to the legislative process.

It further appealed to President Bola Tinubu to investigate the circumstances surrounding the bill’s disappearance and ensure those responsible are identified.

Meanwhile, it will be recalled that the President had earlier requested the Senate to step down consideration of the Cocoa Management Board Establishment Bill 2025 to allow for broader consultations with stakeholders.