By Danjuma Amodu | January 17, 2026
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo has set his sights on generating a whopping N86.8 billion from cashew production alone within the next four months.
This ambitious target was revealed at the inauguration of the 2026 cashew season and unveiling of the Kogi Cashew Procurement and Trade Policy, 2025, held at the Government House, Lokoja.
The governor emphasised that the true economic value of cashew lies not just in production but in processing, packaging, branding, and structured trade. To achieve this goal, Kogi State plans to plant five million cashew trees, focusing on empowering farmers, strengthening local capacity, and repositioning the state as a dominant force in Nigeria’s agricultural export economy.
According to the Director-General of Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency (KOSCEPA), Victor Omofaiye, the initiative is a deliberate drive to ensure Kogi takes its rightful place among the leading cashew-producing states in Nigeria.
Kogi State is already Nigeria’s largest cashew producer, accounting for an estimated 40% of national output, with an annual production of about 350,000 metric tonnes and export value exceeding 700 million dollars.
The initiative aligns with the state’s broader economic vision of diversification, youth empowerment, women inclusion, and shared prosperity. Nigeria currently ranks as the world’s fourth-largest cashew nut producer, with an annual production of about 450,000 metric tonnes and export value exceeding 700 million dollars, with Kogi State accounting for an estimated 40% of national output.
According to a farmer, Daniel Ocholi, the allure of cashew revenue may prompt farmers to abandon other crops.
To mitigate this risk and protect farmland, it is suggested that farmers be encouraged to diversify their crop production, growing other crops alongside cashews. Implementing crop rotation can help maintain soil health and reduce pests and diseases.
Ocholi added that setting aside land for food crops and promoting mixed farming can ensure local food security and create more resilient farming systems.
He tasked the Government to provide resources and training to small-scale farmers to help them adapt to changing market conditions.
“Developing agricultural policies that balance cashew production with food security and environmental concerns is also vital.”
By adopting a balanced approach, Kogi State can maximise the benefits of cashew production whilst safeguarding its agricultural resources
