By Joy Salami
The Director-General of the Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency (KOSCEPA), Hon.Victor Omofaiye, has described the flag-off of the 2026 Cashew Season as a historic turning point in Kogi State’s agricultural and commodity development journey.
Speaking at the event held at the Glass House, Government House, Lokoja, Hon. Omofaiye said the programme was designed to create a structured and transparent market for cashew farmers, while linking them directly to credible buyers and export opportunities.
He explained that the collaboration with Agro Trading and Consulting Limited (ATCL), would help eliminate exploitative middlemen, stabilise prices, and ensure that farmers receive fair value for their produce.
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“This flag-off is not just ceremonial; it is a strategic intervention. Our goal is to ensure that cashew farmers in Kogi State are supported from production to market access. With improved seedlings, clear trade policies, and strong partnerships, we are building a sustainable cashew economy,” he said.
According to him, the occasion brought together three landmark interventions aimed at repositioning Kogi State as Nigeria’s leading cashew-producing and export-oriented state.
He listed them as the official flag-off of the 2026 cashew season, the unveiling of the Kogi State Cashew Procurement and Trade Policy 2025, which came into effect on November 28, 2025, and the launch of the free distribution of hybrid cashew seedlings to registered and identified farmers across the state.
Hon. Omofaiye noted that the initiative reflects a clear policy direction of the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo led administration, where agribusiness, commodities and structured markets are placed at the centre of economic growth.
He explained that upon assuming office in 2024, Governor Ododo repositioned Kogi State as a strategic and major hub for agricultural commodities, particularly cashew, which enjoys strong global demand.
This recognition, he said, informed the establishment of KOSCEPA, with a mandate to increase exports of locally produced commodities, expand international market access for Kogi products, promote value addition through processing, packaging and branding, create jobs, and strengthen revenue generation for the socio-economic development of the state.
The KOSCEPA boss disclosed that Nigeria ranks as the fourth-largest cashew producer in the world, with an annual production of about 450,000 metric tonnes and export earnings exceeding $700 million. Adding that Kogi State accounts for about 40 per cent of national production, with an estimated output of approximately 350,000 metric tonnes for the 2024–2025 production period, about 60 per cent of which comes from the eastern part of the state, complemented by production from the western and central zones.
According to him, Kogi cashew is well regarded in international markets due to its quality, favourable kernel ratio and low moisture content, making it highly competitive globally.
Hon. Omofaiye further said the free distribution of hybrid cashew seedlings was aimed at sustaining production, expanding plantations and maintaining the state’s leadership position in the cashew value chain.
He also outlined key provisions of the new procurement and trade policy, including the compulsory use of approved jute bags for packaging, restrictions on farm-gate purchases by foreign buyers, strict documentation requirements, and penalties for violators, noting that the policy will be reviewed every three years to align with market realities
