The production of cocoa is set to receive a boost with Nigerian Export Promotion Council recent pledge. The council pledged to support Ondo State in the production.

Speaking at a visit to the State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko in his office in Akure, the Chief Executive Officer of the (NEPC), Mr Olusegun Awolowo highlighted how dogged the Federal Government is about ensuring a diversification of the economy.

While commending the commitment of the administration in cocoa and oil production, he pledged the council’s support to ensure a boost of which Ondo State is known for.

Awolowo revealed that the nation’s over-dependence on oil has been causing a major setback to the economy of the country. “Ondo State accounts for over 40% of all cocoa export in Nigeria. We are here to exchange ideas with the governor on how to scale up production of cocoa because we need to set a target under our zero oil initiative so that we can meet the international demand of millions of metric tons. Nigeria used to boom in cocoa but now we are producing around 240,000 metric tons, Ivory Coast on 1.7m metric tons and Ghana 750,000 metric tons.

“But when you look at these countries, when you map them, you will see that Nigeria has expanse of arable land more than they have. We are ready to work with Ondo State, which is one of our targets even in the oil palm production,” he said.