Kogi State has unveiled plans to achieve 150,000 metric tonnes of cashew production by 2027, under Governor Usman Ododo’s agricultural transformation agenda, through the Kogi State Commodity Exchange Export Promotion and Marketing Development Agency (KOCEPA).

Speaking in Abuja, KOCEPA Chief Consultant Dr. Jude Osilama said the initiative aims to revolutionise cashew farming and improve farmers’ livelihoods. Over the next three years, 15 million hybrid cashew trees will be planted to replace aged ones, targeting five million farmers across the state. Kogi’s cashew, noted for its high quality of up to 52 KRO, is among the most sought-after varieties globally.

“For the first time, cashew will be sun-dried in Kogi according to international standards. The days of transporting cashew to Ogbomoso for sun-drying will end,” Osilama said.

He added that Kogi’s cashew has been recognised as a global brand by the Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS) Golden Cashew Rendezvous 2025 in Hanoi. The state currently produces over 120,000 metric tonnes annually, and the goal is to maintain and expand this leading position in Nigeria.

KOCEPA, established by legislation signed by Governor Ododo, is empowered to provide financial assistance, training, market access, and job creation for farmers while boosting internally generated revenue. Discussions are ongoing with Vietnamese investors and machinery manufacturers, including the Vietnam Machine Company, to establish cashew processing plants in Kogi by early next year, with exports planned for the US, Germany, Japan, the UAE, and other international markets.

“By the end of 2026, our farmers will be smiling to the banks as they begin to enjoy the gains from these new strategic initiatives,” Osilama said.

NCAN President Dr. Ojo Ajanaku commended Governor Ododo for creating KOCEPA, calling it a bold step that will change the narrative of agriculture in Kogi. He highlighted that the initiative will guarantee productivity, reduce premature harvesting, and safeguard farmers’ incomes, urging other states to replicate the model.

The recent MoU between Nigeria and VINACAS is expected to further strengthen Kogi’s cashew processing capacity, with KOCEPA playing a central role in its implementation.