By Our Correspondent
The Nigeria Cashew Day, slated for January 24-26, 2025, in Lagos, has emerged as a beacon of hope for the transformation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, particularly the cashew value chain.
Dr. Ojo Ajanaku, the National President of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), underscored the event’s significance during a media parley on Monday, January 20, 2025, where he passionately advocated for the prioritization of cashew and its value chain by the Tinubu-led Federal Government.
Dr. Ajanaku highlighted the untapped potential of cashew as a robust source of foreign exchange earnings, urging the government to bolster its focus on non-oil sectors like agriculture to diversify the economy. According to him, the cashew industry is a goldmine waiting to be fully explored, with the capacity to significantly boost Nigeria’s revenue, create jobs, and position the country as a global leader in cashew production and processing.
The upcoming Nigeria Cashew Day aims to spotlight these opportunities and serve as a rallying point for stakeholders to discuss strategies for maximizing the cashew sector’s potential. Dr. Ajanaku extended an open invitation to the general public, emphasizing the event’s role in uniting farmers, investors, policymakers, and industry experts to deliberate on the future of cashew production and its value chain in Nigeria.
A crucial aspect of the NCAN president’s message was the call for the government to create an enabling environment that encourages investment in cashew processing industries. He stressed that fostering industrial growth in this sector could yield exponential benefits, including double-digit growth for the industry and a significant contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Dr. Ajanaku also lamented the lack of sufficient infrastructure and incentives that would encourage investors to establish cashew processing facilities locally. He argued that exporting raw cashew nuts deprives Nigeria of substantial value addition and the accompanying economic benefits. By investing in processing industries, Nigeria could export finished products such as cashew kernels, butter, and oil, which command higher prices in international markets.
The Nigeria Cashew Day 2025 with the theme: Catalyzing Sustainability in Nigeria Cashew industry, is poised to be more than just a celebration; it is a clarion call to action. The 3day event will feature discussions on Catalyzing Sustainability in Nigeria Cashew industry on Day1, Day 2 will focus on Strategic forum on cashew development and procurement while the 3rd day shall be a workshop on Enhancing Sustainability through strategic initiatives, designed to highlight the importance of cashew and its by-products in reshaping Nigeria’s economic landscape. It is a platform to amplify voices advocating for reforms that would unlock the sector’s full potential.
As the date approaches, industry players and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate an event that promises to redefine the trajectory of the Nigerian cashew industry. Nigeria Cashew Day 2025 could very well mark the beginning of a new era for cashew production, processing, and export in Nigeria—a step toward achieving the long-desired diversification of the nation’s economy.
For Dr. Ajanaku and NCAN, the vision is clear: to see Nigeria at the forefront of the global cashew industry. And with the right support and collaboration, this vision is within reach.
