Ekiti Targets Cocoa Revival with 10 Million Seedlings

Dayo Thomas

The Ekiti State Government has unveiled a ten-year plan to raise 10 million cocoa seedlings—one million each year—in a bid to revive output and restore its place in Nigeria’s cocoa value chain. The programme, announced by Agriculture Commissioner Ebenezer Boluwade, aims to replace ageing plantations with climate-resilient varieties that mature in three years.

Ekiti is working with the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and the TRACE Project to supply improved seedlings and train farmers in traceability and sustainable practices. Seedlings and agrochemicals will be distributed at a 50 percent subsidy, with decentralised access across the state. The plan also prioritises ethical production—no deforestation or child labour—and aligns with the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones to strengthen processing and jobs.