Nigeria Takes Global Stage at Cocoa Beyond Borders 2026 Conference in UK, Calls for Fairer Cocoa Trade
Nigeria Takes Global Stage at Cocoa Beyond Borders 2026 Conference in UK, Calls for Fairer Cocoa Trade
Nigeria Takes Global Stage at Cocoa Beyond Borders 2026 Conference in UK, Calls for Fairer Cocoa Trade
Nigeria is participating in the Cocoa Beyond Borders 2026 Conference in the United Kingdom, joining global policymakers, industry leaders, financiers, and farmer representatives to address power imbalances and compliance challenges within the global cocoa sector.
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Delivering a keynote address at the conference, Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, challenged prevailing trade and regulatory frameworks, insisting that cocoa-producing nations must play a central role in shaping global policies.
“Cocoa-producing countries must not remain rule-takers in a system where the rules are made without their meaningful input,” the Minister said.
Speaking under the conference theme, “Rules Without Recourse? Navigating Compliance, Power, and Trade Justice in the Cocoa Sector,” Senator Kyari warned that sustainability initiatives would fail if they compromise farmer livelihoods and national sovereignty. He stressed that compliance mechanisms must promote equity rather than weaken producer economies while safeguarding consumer markets elsewhere.
The Minister also cautioned against the use of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards and environmental regulations as non-tariff trade barriers, noting that climate action must be pursued alongside fairness and justice in international commerce.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to transforming its cocoa industry, Senator Kyari highlighted the importance of moving beyond raw exports to value addition through local processing, branding, and stronger market participation. He also called for enhanced producer-led alliances to reshape global cocoa governance and ensure fair returns for farmers.
The two-day conference is examining critical issues including ESG compliance, digital traceability, climate finance, price volatility, and cocoa innovation, positioning cocoa as a strategic asset in the global conversation on trade justice and sustainable development.
Nigeria Takes Global Stage at Cocoa Beyond Borders 2026 Conference in UK, Calls for Fairer Cocoa Trade
