Ondo State Targets Global Cocoa Export Market as Aiyedatiwa Pledges Action on Deforestation
14,000 Cocoa and Oil Palm Farmers Enrolled Under FAO-Backed Sustainability Programme
Ondo State Targets Global Cocoa Export Market as Aiyedatiwa Pledges Action on Deforestation
14,000 Cocoa and Oil Palm Farmers Enrolled Under FAO-Backed Sustainability Programme
The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling deforestation while repositioning the state’s cocoa and oil palm industry to meet global sustainability and export standards.
He made the declaration on Tuesday in Akure during the opening of the 2nd FAO Participatory Informed Learning Approach Multi-Stakeholders Workshop, organised under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) GEF-7 FOLUR-IP Nigeria Project.
The governor explained that Ondo State is aligning its agricultural value chains—especially cocoa production—with international requirements such as the European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR), aimed at promoting traceable and environmentally responsible supply chains.
Aiyedatiwa disclosed that the state has inaugurated a Strategic Committee on EU Deforestation-Free Regulation compliance to ensure cocoa production meets global environmental benchmarks.
He also confirmed the establishment of a forest management committee to monitor forest activities, curb illegal deforestation, and protect Ondo’s natural ecosystem.
According to him, the FAO-supported GEF-7 Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration Impact Programme (FOLUR-IP) continues to drive sustainable agriculture, environmental restoration, and climate-smart farming practices across the state.
The initiative is currently being implemented across eight local government areas in Ondo State, including Akure South, Idanre, Ondo West, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, Owo, Odigbo, Okitipupa, and Irele.
The governor revealed that about 14,000 smallholder cocoa and oil palm farmers have been profiled under the pilot phase of the programme to support traceability, certification, and improved productivity.
He praised the FAO for its technical and institutional support in transforming cocoa and oil palm production systems across Nigeria’s forest belt, particularly in the Niger Delta region.
Aiyedatiwa also highlighted the deployment of Geographic Information System (GIS) equipment to establish a modern GIS laboratory under the state’s REDD+ Unit.
He said the facility has significantly improved geospatial mapping, forest monitoring, and land-use planning for sustainable forest management.
In addition, the programme has provided agroforestry seedlings and timber species to farmers and stakeholders to support reforestation and restoration of degraded forest areas.
Farmers and agricultural extension officers have also received training in climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry systems, land mapping for EU compliance, and integrated land-use management.
Speaking at the event, the National FAO Coordinator in Nigeria, Dr. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations representative, Dr. Nifesimi Ogunkua, stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure sustainable land use and improved access to global markets.
She warned that increased production alone would not benefit farmers unless backed by traceability systems, certification standards, and access to premium international cocoa markets.
Ogunkua noted that Ondo State holds a strategic position in Nigeria’s cocoa value chain and could become a leading model for climate-resilient cocoa production if sustainable land-use planning and forest conservation are prioritized.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola, said the workshop focused on integrated land-use planning, governance frameworks, agroecological transition, certification systems, and participatory spatial planning.
He emphasized that Ondo State will continue to collaborate with federal agencies, research institutes, and development partners to strengthen sustainable cocoa and oil palm value chains.
Other dignitaries present included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, farmers’ associations, and development partners.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to expanding co-financing support for FAO-backed programmes to ensure long-term sustainability and improved agricultural competitiveness.
