The Federal Government has announced its plans to increase the current coconut production in Nigeria from 224,186 metric tonnes (MT) to 500,000 MT by 2025.
This was revealed by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Alhaji Abubakar Kyari, during the 2023 10th International Coconut Festival AGUNFEST held in Badagry, Lagos. Currently, Nigeria is ranked 19th among coconut-producing countries worldwide.
The minister emphasised that boosting coconut production in Nigeria has the potential to significantly contribute to the country’s economy.
“1,000 coconut seedlings have been graciously approved for the festival. AGUNKEFEST 2023 is not just a celebration of coconut but a call to action.
“It is a call to farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to come together and work toward developing the coconut sub-sector.
“Also to create wealth, not just for ourselves, but for our communities and our countries,” Kyari stated.
Kyari, who was represented by Mrs Abimbola Oguntuyi, the Lagos State Coordinator of the Ministry, emphasized that the agriculture sector has great potential to create jobs, generate revenue, diversify the economy, and reduce dependence on oil, among other benefits.
In addition, the Federal Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John, highlighted at the event that the country has the opportunity to earn over N20 billion in foreign exchange through the export of coconut and its derivatives.
Ado-John, represented by Mr. Tony Okonju, a Chief Tourism Officer, emphasised that the coconut industry can provide food, raw materials, income, and employment for Nigerians.
In his keynote speech, Mr. Julian Baricuatro, the President of the International Coconut Festival in Canada, urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to promote coconut cultivation in the country and develop the coconut industry.
He emphasised that coconut farming has the potential to create employment opportunities for young people and offer consumers valuable nutrition and health benefits.
