COCEFAAA seeks FG’s implementation of national coffee strategy, support for smallholder farmers

The Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COCEFAAA) has called on the Federal Government to expedite action on the implementation of a national coffee strategy targeted at revitalising coffee production, supporting smallholder farmers, and repositioning Nigeria in the global coffee market.

The call was made by the association’s president, Comrade Adeola Adegoke, during a two-day stakeholders’ meeting and flag-off ceremony for the establishment of 1,000 hectares of coffee production organised by Lingzhi Global Nigeria Limited and the Ondo State chapter of the National Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria (NACOFTAN) in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Adegoke urged the Federal Government to classify coffee squarely under agricultural policy and provide farmers with subsidised inputs, extension services, and export incentives to boost production and competitiveness.

He said: “We urge the Federal Government to finalise and implement a National Coffee Strategy, one that classifies coffee squarely under agricultural policy, and provides smallholder farmers with access to subsidised inputs, extension services, and export incentives.

Adegoke, also appealed to the Ondo State government to establish a dedicated coffee development fund and invest in post-harvest infrastructure, including processing mills, roasting and storage facilities, and export certification centres.

Speaking on the economic importance of coffee, he said: “Today, two billion of cups of coffee are consumed every day, and one of the most actively traded agricultural commodities globally. The numbers tell a compelling story: The global coffee market value as at 2025 was USD $284.8 billion, projected to reach USD $486.2 billion by 2035.

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“Minimum of 25 million farming families worldwide depend on coffee for their income, representing over 100 million people. These figures confirm that coffee is not a niche product. It is a strategic commodity with deep economic, social, and geopolitical significance.”

According to him, Nigeria’s coffee sector has suffered years of decline despite growing global demand and favourable climatic conditions for cultivation. He noted that while Nigeria produced about 95,000 bags of coffee in the 1960s, current production has dropped significantly, with the country now ranked among the world’s lowest coffee exporters.

Adegoke stated that the 1,000-hectare coffee initiative in Ondo State represents a strategic step towards restoring Nigeria’s place in the international coffee market and strengthening agricultural diversification efforts.

He explained that the project could generate over $2.9 million annually at full maturity while creating employment opportunities for more than 5,000 farmers and workers across the coffee value chain.

Also peaking at the event, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described the initiative as a historic move to revive coffee production in the state and promote economic diversification through agriculture.

Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Leye Akinola, the governor said the project will directly engage over 2,000 farmers and create thousands of additional jobs in processing, packaging, transportation, and exportation.

He assured stakeholders of government support through extension services, land access, rural road development, and guaranteed off-take arrangements for farmers.

The governor added that the state, in partnership with Lingzhi Global Nigeria Limited, will also focus on value addition through roasting, branding, and packaging to position “Made-in-Ondo” coffee competitively in global markets.

Also speaking, the representative of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the Federal Government remains committed to repositioning agriculture as a key driver of economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The ministry noted that the Coffee Revolution Project aligns with national priorities on job creation, food security, and economic diversification, adding that collaboration among farmers, investors, researchers, and policymakers would be critical to revitalising the coffee value chain in Nigeria.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Lingzhi Global Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Blessing Tangtur, stressed the need for sustainable training programmes for farmers across the coffee value chain.

She called for increased awareness on traceability, quality seed supply, and youth involvement in coffee production and processing.

Tangtur said indigenous farmers must intentionally create opportunities that attract young people into the sector through skills development, community engagement, and sustainable economic development empowerment initiatives.

Nigeria and several states have recently intensified discussions around cocoa and coffee revitalisation, with stakeholders calling for improved value addition, export competitiveness, and sustainable agricultural practices.