Gov Aiyedatiwa inaugurates strategic committee on EU Deforestation-Free Regulation compliance

By Precious Oluwole

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has inaugurated the State Strategic Committee on European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) compliance, aimed at safeguarding the state’s position as Nigeria’s leading cocoa-producing hub.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held on Monday at the Cocoa Conference Centre, Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure, Aiyedatiwa described the initiative as a “significant milestone” in preparing cocoa stakeholders to meet the December 30, 2025, deadline set by the European Union for full compliance.

He explained that the EU regulation prohibits the sale of commodities such as cocoa, coffee, and oil palm linked to deforestation, noting that failure to comply could endanger the livelihoods of thousands of cocoa farmers and the state’s economy.

“Ondo State accounts for about 40% of Nigeria’s cocoa production, with nearly 60% of our farmers directly engaged in cocoa farming and many others across its value chain. Our cocoa could be at risk if we do not take the necessary legal steps to ensure compliance with the EUDR,” the governor stated.

He tasked the newly inaugurated committee with facilitating roundtable discussions among state ministries, cocoa farmers, exporters, processors, commodity associations, and development partners to design strategic actions for compliance. He also acknowledged the efforts of exporters and processors already investing in polygon mapping, agroforestry practices, and sustainability programmes.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, Aiyedatiwa said the government would continue to support agroforestry practices and forestry restoration, stressing the need for knowledge-sharing and collaboration to align Ondo’s cocoa sector with global standards.

The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recently approving a draft bill for the establishment of the National Cocoa Management Board, describing it as a welcome move that would strengthen the cocoa sub-sector nationwide.

“Our administration remains committed to supporting all initiatives that will transform regulatory obligations into long-term opportunities for cocoa farmers,” he assured.

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Leye Akinola emphasized the urgency of meeting global requirements to protect livelihoods and sustain cocoa export earnings.

He commended the state government for its support, noting that the initiative was critical to protecting Ondo’s forests and ensuring that cocoa produced in the state remains globally competitive. He stressed that Ondo must remain at the forefront.

“With the support we have received, we are confident that Ondo will not only retain its leading position in Nigeria but also help Nigeria climb higher in global cocoa rankings,” he said, while urging members of the committee to work tirelessly to meet the December 2025 deadline for compliance.

In his goodwill message, the National President of Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Comrade Adeola Adegoke, said cocoa remained a critical driver of Nigeria’s economy, contributing about 40 percent of the nation’s cocoa output from Ondo State alone.

He highlighted that the European Union, which consumes two-thirds of global cocoa, had made deforestation-free certification mandatory, stressing that non-compliance could lock Nigeria out of its most lucrative market.

“What the EU is saying is simple: if your cocoa is linked to deforestation, you cannot sell. This is why mapping, reclassification of farmlands, and agroforestry practices are vital. Our farmers must comply, or they will lose access to international markets,” he explained.

He further called for investment in rehabilitation of old farms and distribution of high-yield seedlings, insisting that with the right support, Nigeria could rival and even surpass Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana in cocoa production.

Also speaking, Alhaji Ayoade, applauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for championing the committee, describing Ondo as the first state in Nigeria to set up such a structure. He emphasized that Europe remained Nigeria’s most dependable cocoa market, cautioning against overreliance on unstable partners.

“We cannot continue to export raw cocoa only for Europe to take the lion’s share of the value. Nigeria must also begin to add value locally”.

The inauguration, which brought together key players in the cocoa sector, set the tone for aggressive compliance measures, with stakeholders vowing to work round the clock to meet EU requirements ahead of schedule.

In attendance were: The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Members of the State Executive Council, member, Ondo State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Culture, Tourism and Community Development, Hon. Olawumi Fayemi – Obayelu.