By Muslimat Itopa
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has officially flagged off the 2026 cashew production season, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to agricultural-driven economic growth, value addition and job creation in the state.
The flag-off ceremony, held at the Government House in Lokoja, on Friday 16th January was organised by the Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency (KOCEPA) in collaboration with Agro Trading Consult Ltd.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ododo said the gathering was aimed at translating government policies into practical actions that would deliver measurable outcomes for the people of Kogi State.
He explained that the occasion featured three key activities: the official flag-off of the 2026 cashew production season, the unveiling of the Kogi State Cashew Procurement and Trade Policy 2025, and the commencement of the free distribution of over five million hybrid cashew seedlings to farmers and critical stakeholders across the agricultural ecosystem.
The governor described cashew as one of the most valuable tree crops globally, noting that Kogi State is naturally positioned to become a major player in the sector due to its fertile soil, favourable climate and hardworking farming population.
According to him, the administration views cashew as a strategic economic asset capable of driving rural prosperity, sustainable growth and wealth creation.
“We are committed to unlocking the enormous potential of our agricultural sector through value chain development for economic diversification, job creation, export growth and increased household income,” Ododo said. “Cashew must do more for the local economy, and this administration is determined to change the narrative.”
He disclosed that the state government is investing in large-scale commercial plantations while strengthening support systems for small holder farmers through improved seedlings, modern extension services and structured market frameworks to boost productivity and improve living standards.
Governor Ododo stressed that true economic value lies not only in production but also in processing, packaging and structured trade.
He announced the state’s commitment to establishing cashew processing facilities within Kogi, noting that local processing would create jobs, reduce post-harvest losses, increase farmers’ earnings and ensure that more wealth remains within the state.
The governor also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government, stating that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has repositioned agriculture as a strategic driver of national economic recovery, food security, export expansion and mass employment.
He said Kogi State’s cashew initiative aligns with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and its push for agricultural industrialization
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Governor Ododo explained that the Kogi State Cashew Procurement and Trade Policy 2025, developed pursuant to Section 35 of the KOCEPA Law of 2024, provides a transparent and enforceable framework for orderly trading, fair pricing and accountability across the entire cashew value chain.
Earlier, the Director-General of KOCEPA, Mr. Victor Omofaye, described the event as a turning point in the history of Kogi State’s agricultural development.
He said the ceremony also marked the unveiling of the cashew trade policy and the launch of the first-ever free distribution of hybrid cashew seedlings to registered and verified farmers across the state.
Omofaye noted that upon assuming office in 2024, Governor Ododo recognised Kogi State’s strength in commodity production and global demand for cashew, leading to the establishment of KOCEPA to promote exports, expand international market access, encourage value addition through processing, create jobs and strengthen internally generated revenue.
Highlighting the global importance of cashew, Omofaye said Nigeria ranks as the fourth-largest cashew producer in the world, with an annual output of about 450,000 metric tonnes and export value exceeding $700 million.
He added that Kogi State is Nigeria’s leading cashew producer, accounting for an estimated 40 per cent of national output.
According to him, the eastern part of the state contributes about 60 per cent of Kogi’s cashew production, with additional output from the west and central zones.
He disclosed that during the 2024–2025 production period, the state recorded an estimated output of about 315,000 metric tonnes, with Kogi cashew widely accepted in international markets due to its high quality.
Omofaye explained that the new policy regulates procurement and trade, restricts unapproved buyers, and ends the practice of foreign traders purchasing produce directly from farm gates without proper documentation.
He added that the policy will be reviewed every three years to ensure alignment with market realities.
He also called on private investors to take advantage of opportunities in the sector by establishing processing plants in the state, noting that despite being the country’s highest producer, Kogi currently lacks adequate cashew processing facilities.
The event featured goodwill messages from the National President of the Cashew Association of Nigeria, the Kogi State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Muhammad Shuibu Mukhtar, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly represented by the Deputy Speaker, Comfort Nwuchola, the Director-General of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation, Princess Nana Hauwa Yussuf, and the Managing Director of Graphics Newspaper, Y.J. Itopa.
They all described cashew production as a major source of income and commended the state government for establishing KOCEPA and prioritising structured agricultural development.
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