Ayo Akinola, a Technical Expert to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment on the National Cocoa Plan, has highlighted that inter-agency rivalry among government departments and agencies is negatively impacting Nigeria’s cocoa sector. In an exclusive interview, Akinola emphasized the lack of inter-agency cooperation, creating challenges within the cocoa industry. Multiple ministries and agencies have been involved in overlapping roles, leading to confusion and a lack of guidance for actors in the sector.
According to Akinola, the clashes among government agencies have hindered the sector’s progress, and he rates the government’s performance in the cocoa sector as average due to the lack of inter-agency cooperation. He identified approximately 27 federal ministries, departments, and agencies involved in cocoa, each with their own funding and overlapping mandates, creating a disjointed approach that is detrimental to the economy. Furthermore, the lack of cooperation among agencies involved in quality assurance, such as federal produce agencies, private inspection agencies, and regulatory bodies, further hampers government efforts to support cocoa production in Nigeria.
Akinola stressed the importance of raising awareness to increase local consumption of cocoa, which would benefit struggling cocoa farmers. He expressed confidence that with proper measures in place, Nigeria’s cocoa sector has the potential to be a significant foreign exchange earner. Akinola called for initiatives to regain Nigeria’s position as the world’s top cocoa exporter.
Opinion: The inter-agency rivalry within the Nigerian government is a concerning issue that needs to be addressed to foster a more coordinated and efficient cocoa sector. By establishing a dedicated clearinghouse or agency for cocoa and promoting inter-agency cooperation, the government can streamline efforts, eliminate duplication of roles, and provide a clearer direction for stakeholders in the cocoa industry. Furthermore, promoting local consumption of cocoa through awareness campaigns can create new market opportunities and boost the income of cocoa farmers. Reclaiming Nigeria’s position as a leading cocoa exporter requires concerted efforts to improve quality assurance, ensure cooperation among relevant agencies, and implement measures that support the growth and competitiveness of the cocoa sector.