Abia State Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, has reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting cocoa farmers in the state, pledging to create a conducive environment to boost cocoa production.
Emetu, who also serves as the Chairman of the Abia State Cocoa Transformation Committee, made the announcement during a committee meeting held at the Government House, Umuahia, on Wednesday.
The Deputy Governor issued a stern warning to those involved in the illegal trade of smuggling cocoa across state lines:
He declared that anyone caught smuggling cocoa from Abia to neighboring states would have the produce seized, and the vehicle used in the illegal trade impounded.
He emphasized that the state government is stepping in to stabilize cocoa pricing, aligning Abia’s rates with other cocoa-producing states in Nigeria to prevent smuggling and encourage local sales.
Emetu noted that such smuggling practices undermine the state’s agricultural statistics and economic potential:
The measure would check the smuggling of the produce away from Abia to neighboring states, stating that such illegal trade shortchanges Abia’s cocoa status in the country.
He also called on all actors in the cocoa value chain to fulfill their civic responsibilities:
He urged all stakeholders in the cocoa business to remain responsible by paying their taxes appropriately to the government.
Additionally, Emetu revealed that the Agbaozu Cocoa Farm Estate in Bende LGA has now been reclaimed by the state from a private investor, signaling renewed efforts to enhance cocoa production infrastructure.
Earlier in the meeting, the Chairmen of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) and the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN), John Kalu and J.C. Uche, thanked Governor Alex Otti for his support and appealed for herbicides and improved seedlings to aid in production.
