In a landmark move to secure global market access and promote sustainable cocoa production, the Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Monday, August 25, 2025, inaugurated the Ondo State Strategic Committee for European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) compliance. The ceremony took place at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure, with key stakeholders from across the cocoa value chain in attendance.
Governor Aiyedatiwa described the inauguration as a pivotal step to align the state’s cocoa industry with the EU’s upcoming regulation, set to take effect on December 30, 2025, which bars the import of cocoa, coffee, oil palm, and other commodities linked to deforestation. He highlighted Nigeria as Africa’s fourth-largest cocoa exporter, with Ondo State alone contributing around 40 percent of national output. “With a significant proportion of our farmers and processors involved directly or indirectly in cocoa production, non-compliance could threaten our position in global markets,” he warned.
The governor charged committee members to consult widely with stakeholders and formulate strategies that would enhance Ondo cocoa’s competitiveness while ensuring sustainability. He commended exporters and processors who have already implemented polygon mapping, agroforestry initiatives, and other sustainable practices. Aiyedatiwa also reaffirmed his administration’s support for forestry restoration and agroforestry adoption, while acknowledging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the draft National Cocoa Management Board bill to further regulate and boost the sector.
In his address, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola, praised the governor’s dedication to protecting Ondo’s cocoa industry and announced that the committee would convene weekly to ensure swift progress. He expressed confidence that the state could achieve in 90 days what some countries took years to accomplish.
Mr. Adeola Adegoke, National President of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), also pledged full cooperation with the government. He stressed the importance of producing deforestation-free cocoa to safeguard the environment, preserve farmers’ livelihoods, and maintain access to international markets. Adegoke encouraged stakeholders to adopt data-driven mapping and agroforestry practices to meet EUDR standards.
The inauguration was attended by top state officials, including Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa, and Head of Service Bayo Philip.
This initiative positions Ondo State as a proactive leader in sustainable cocoa production in Nigeria, ensuring environmental stewardship while securing the state’s economic future in the global cocoa trade.
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