By joshua 
Kogi Vows To Invest More In Cashew Business For Job Creation, Others
Following the current high rate of unemployment bedeviling Nigeria, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state has given an assurance that his administration will invest more in Cashew Business as alternative source of survival for the people.
Ododo maintained that apart from job creation, Cashew Value Chain has the potential of boosting the state’s socio-economic and industrial development.
Governor Ododo gave the assurance while flagging off the 2026 Cashew Season and Unveiling of Kogi Cashew Procurement and Trade Policy, 2025, as well as Distribution of five million Hybrid Cashew Seedlings to Farmers, held at the Government House, Lokoja over the weekend.
The launch was organized by the Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency (KOSCEPA) in collaboration with Agro Trading Consult Limited (ATCL) to commence the activities of this year’s Cashew farming in the state.
According to Governor Ododo “My administration is encouraging investment in Cashew Production in large scale commercial as it remains the most valuable cash crops and a major player in wealth creation, socio-economic and industrial development of a given society.
“Our focus as a government should shift from emphasis in politics to large scale investment in cash crops especially Cashew Production, Packaging, Processing, Branding and Structured Grades”
He noted that Cashew could be used as food, medicine, industrial purpose, agriculture, and cosmetic amongst others hence the need for heavy investment in the sector in view of its enormous value to human existence.
The Governor warned against stakeholders who embark on unregistered and illegal middle men in Cashew Business and other mining activities in the state to desist forth with or be ready to face prosecution.
“Stakeholders should endeavor to follow due process by getting themselves registered as any person found violating this government policy will be made to face the full wrath of the law”
The Director-general of Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency, KOSCEPA, Victor Omofaiye in his welcome address, outlined the benefits of cashew to include; promotion of local cashew processing industries for job creation, enhancement of quality control and maintenance of Kogi’s reputation as a top cashew processing state, establishment of a structural and traceable cashew marketing system, increasing state revenue through organized trade and export levies and showcasing Kogi state cashew to the world.
Omofaiye also enumerated measures put in place to ensure Cashew Nuts quality control and regulation as follows:
*No foreigner is allowed to purchase we raw Cashew Nuts
*All buyers and exporters of Cashew nuts within Kogi state shall register with Agro trading Consult Limited in order to qualify for participation in the 2026 Cashew season
*The use of the Kogi state customized jute bag is sacrosanct, as without it no Cashew nut is permitted to leave the state
*All licensed buying agents must grant access for grading and inspection of all Cashew within the Agro Trading Consult Limited accredited warehouses for quality certification purposes
*Fumigation of all ATCL accredited warehouses for storing cashew is mandatory
*Payment of all regulatory levies is sacrosanct
*Shaking of cashew trees to reduce early harvest is strictly prohibited
Kogi State’s Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Muktar Shaibu, in his remarks, praised Governor Ododo policy on poverty reduction in the state through agriculture particularly in Cashew Production.
According to the commissioner “Kogi people will remain supportive of this laudable policy which has brought relief and smiles on their faces”
In his remarks, ATCL Consultant, Jude Obinama Petrus, expected to drive the project in the State, assured that the State would harvest it value addition in the Cashew project, described the initiative as a game changer, assured that the State would soon move from it Civil Service status to one of economic prosperity.
He paid glowing tribute to Gov. Ododo for his foresight, pointing out that very soon the State would join comity of states that no longer on oil for revenue.
The Ata’Igala and President of Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty Matthew Opaluwa, who also spoke at the event, hailed Governor Ododo’s efforts to increase Farmers wealth through investment in agriculture.
His Royal Majesty who was represented by Onu Itobe, Chief Salifu Ocholi, declared the traditional Rulers solidarity and loyalty to Governor Ododo’s administration in view of his numerous achievements in uplifting the living standard of the people within the short period in office.
Also, Kogi CSOs Urge Increased Investment in Cashew Business, Call for Laws Against Illegal Harvesting.
According to Mr. Moses ADEDEJI,
Executive Director
Trees on Earth Development Foundation Nigeria, have advised the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, to intensify investment in the cashew industry as a strategic means of creating jobs and boosting economic development across the state.
The CSOs noted that cashew production has the capacity to absorb a large number of youths and women, stimulate agribusiness growth, and enhance internally generated revenue if properly developed and protected. They stressed that Kogi State is well-positioned to become a leading cashew-producing hub with the right policy framework and government support.
In their submission, the organisations also called on the state government to enact and enforce laws that will punish individuals who trespass on cashew farms and illegally harvest produce that does not belong to them.
According to the CSOs, such unlawful practices have discouraged genuine farmers and investors, leading to losses and insecurity within farming communities.
The groups emphasized that strong legal protection for farmers is essential to attract private investment, promote agricultural sustainability, and ensure that the benefits of cashew farming translate into meaningful job creation.
The Ogori-Magongo CSOs expressed confidence in Governor Ododo’s commitment to agricultural development and urged his administration to take decisive action that will safeguard farmers’ investments while unlocking the full economic potential of the cashew value chain in Kogi State.
January 16, 2026
Ends.