Photo; Some stakeholders at the event
By: Mandy Park
The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) today Tuesday, 20th, January held a flag-off stakeholders meeting in Lagos as part of activities leading to the 2026 Nigeria Cashew Day and Value Chain Summit.
The meeting brought together key actors across the cashew value chain, including: policy makers, farmers, processors, exporters, investors, regulators and development partners, to align strategies aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s cashew industry and enhancing its global competitiveness.
NCAN used the occasion to massively endorse the Ademola Adesokan-led leadership, while announcing the suspension of all revenue collection center in the nation’s cashew industry till further notice.
The Association also used the occasion to condemn the ban on export of cashew nuts, just as they kicked against foreign encroachment in cashew value chain.
Speaking at the event, NCAN leaders and invited experts emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to unlock the full potential of the cashew sector through increased local processing, improved quality standards, access to finance, and favourable policies.
NCAN members from almost all the states of the federation were present.
Some of the participants that graced the occasion where representatives from the presidency, state governors and notable professionals in the industry.
Some of the participants included: Alhaji Dr. Adeniji Adeyemi, Mrs Ajayi Ade, Yunusa Enemal, Barrister Folusho Olorunda, Otunba Babalola Faseru, Sir Vice Marshall Ayoola and Abidola Olusanya among other dignitaries.
Participants underscored the importance of investment and innovation in driving value addition and boosting non-oil export earnings.
The Lagos engagement according to the organizers served as a preparatory platform ahead of the Fourth Annual Nigeria Cashew Day and Value Chain Summit scheduled to hold in Abuja later this month.
Stakeholders used the forum to review industry challenges, share insights, and agree on priority actions to be presented at the national summit.
NCAN National President, Ademola Adesokan reiterated the commitment of the Association to working closely with government agencies and private sector players to reposition the cashew industry as a major contributor to economic diversification, job creation and sustainable development in Nigeria.
While speaking with the press, Adesokan expressed confidence that outcomes from the stakeholders’ engagement would translate into actionable policies and partnerships capable of transforming the cashew value chain and increasing Nigeria’s share in the global cashew market.
