By joshua 
Gov. Ododo, ATCL Consultant Paves Way for Kogi’s Cashew Revolution
By Abu Micheal
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has launched the 2026 Cashew Season, emphasizing the state’s commitment to investing in cashew production as Nigeria’s leading cashew producer.
The event, organized by the Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency (KOSCEPA) and Agro Trading Consult Limited (ATCL), marked the beginning of the state’s efforts to boost cashew production, processing, and export.
Governor Ododo highlighted the importance of cashew production, stating that it remains the most valuable cash crop and a major player in wealth creation, socio-economic, and industrial development.
He emphasized the need to shift focus from politics to large-scale investment in cash crops like cashew, citing its versatility in food, medicine, industrial, agricultural, and cosmetic uses.
The Director-General of KOSCEPA, Victor Omofaiye, outlined the benefits of cashew production, including job creation, quality control, and increased state revenue. Measures to ensure quality control and regulation were also announced, including registration of buyers and exporters, use of customized jute bags, and fumigation of warehouses.
ATCL Consultant, Jude Obinama Petrus, assured that the state would harvest value addition in the cashew project, describing the initiative as a game-changer.
He praised Governor Ododo’s foresight, pointing out that the state would soon join the comity of states that no longer rely on oil for revenue.
It is expected that with the reputation of the consultant in the Cashew market, a new beginning has set in for Kogi State, with the cooperation of all the Stakeholders.
The launch included the distribution of five million hybrid cashew seedlings to farmers, aiming to plant 10 million new cashew trees by 2030.
The state government encouraged private investors to establish processing plants, promoting value addition and economic growth.
Stakeholders, including the National Chairman of Cashew Association and the Ata’Igala, praised the governor’s efforts, expressing optimism that the initiative would increase farmers’ wealth and position Kogi State as a leading cashew-producing and processing hub.
The key benefits of the Initiatives include:
– Job creation, especially for women in processing centers
– Economic growth and increased state revenue
– Improved quality control and regulation
– Increased cashew production and export
– Promotion of value addition and processing
– Climate resilience and environmental benefits
The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s non-oil export economy, with global demand for cashews projected to grow at over 5% annually.