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By Deborah Agbonika
The Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Friday officially flagged off the 2026 Cashew Production Season under the Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency (KOSCEPA), in collaboration with Agro Trading Consult Ltd (ATCL). The event took place at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Lokoja.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Ododo highlighted the economic, environmental and health benefits of cashew, noting that the crop is used in medicine to improve health and treat various diseases. He added that cashew cultivation also helps prevent soil erosion while providing sustainable income for families, urging citizens to take the sector seriously.
The governor called on Kogites to value their cashew plantations, work together in unity and maximize the benefits of the crop. He assured farmers that the state government is already in talks with the Bank of Industry (BoI), which is ready to provide support once farmers are prepared to access funding.
He announced three major milestones marked by the event which are the official flag-off of the 2026 cashew production season, the formal unveiling of the Kogi State Cashew Procurement and Trade Policy 2025, and the commencement of the distribution of over five million improved hybrid cashew seedlings to farmers across the state.
“Cashew remains one of the most valuable and globally competitive tree crops, and Kogi State is naturally positioned to become a major player in this sector. We are blessed with the right soil, favourable climate and hardworking people,” he said.
The governor further stated that his administration is encouraging large scale commercial plantations while strengthening support for smallholder farmers through improved seedlings, modern extension services and a structured market framework to boost productivity and improve living standards in farming communities.
Governor Ododo said the cashew initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for states to harness their comparative advantages, deepen agricultural industrialisation and create sustainable prosperity.
He explained that the Kogi State Cashew Procurement and Trade Policy 2025, developed in line with Section 35 of the KOSCEPA Law 2024, provides a transparent and enforceable framework for orderly trading, fair pricing, quality assurance, traceability and accountability across the entire cashew value chain.
While urging farmers not to see regulation as a barrier, the governor said the policy is designed to protect farmers, attract credible investors, eliminate exploitation and ensure equitable distribution of benefits.
He warned that the state government will no longer tolerate the activities of unlicensed buyers, illegal middlemen and foreign agents purchasing raw cashew nuts directly from farm gates. He added that anyone interested in the state’s mineral resources must follow due process and register appropriately, warning that violators would be treated as criminals.
Governor Ododo called on all stakeholders farmers, traders, processors, investors, technical partners and regulators to work closely with the state government through KOSCEPA. He noted that partnerships with research institutions and agronomists are being strengthened to ensure that the distributed hybrid seedlings are best suited to Kogi’s soil and climate.
He also emphasized opportunities for youths and women across the entire cashew value chain, from farming and processing to marketing, logistics and export.
Earlier, the Director General of KOSCEPA, Victor Omofaiye, said the programme aims to expand international market access for Kogi products and strengthen revenue generation for the overall social development of the state.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Agro Trading Consult Ltd, Dr Jude Osilama, commended Governor Ododo for his efforts to lift the people of Kogi State from poverty to prosperity, assuring stakeholders of improved livelihoods through the initiative.
In her remarks, Rt. Hon. Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola stated that with the right support and investment, the cashew industry has the potential to drive significant economic growth and create jobs across the state.
