My mission is to make Nigeria’s cashew a source of FX, driver of rural development – Adesokan
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) President, Ademola Adesokan, has pledged that cashew farmers will reap significant benefits from global market opportunities for the cash crop.
Adesokan, while addressing the media during his inauguration as interim president, promised to champion value addition, adding that he will encourage investment in cashew processing so that Nigeria captures more wealth and employment opportunities locally.
He said the NCAN under his leadership would align itself with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government, ensuring that cashew is not only a source of foreign exchange (FX) but also a driver of rural development, job creation, and national prosperity.
He said: “It is with great humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as the newly appointed Interim National President of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN). I sincerely thank the stakeholders of our association—state chapters, cooperatives, processors, exporters, and allied institutions—for the trust and confidence reposed in me to lead at this defining moment in our history.
“First and foremost, I wish to acknowledge the guiding hand of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes agricultural transformation, food security, and industrial value-addition. It is within this spirit of renewed hope that NCAN will align itself fully with the Federal Government’s vision—working hand in hand to ensure cashew is not only a source of foreign exchange but also a driver of rural development, job creation, and national prosperity.
“We must also commend the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) for their contributions to the Cashew Policy Roadmap. Their commitment to building a structured, competitive, and value-driven cashew sector has laid a strong foundation for growth. As NCAN, we are excited to partner with government, donor agencies, and private sector players to implement this roadmap for the benefit of our farmers, processors, and the wider economy.
“My leadership, working with the Interim National Committee, will focus on: Repositioning NCAN as a credible and transparent institution that operates with accountability and integrity. Strengthening partnerships with government ministries and agencies, ensuring NCAN becomes a trusted voice in policy formulation and implementation. Championing value-addition, encouraging investment in cashew processing so that Nigeria captures more wealth and employment opportunities locally. Protecting and empowering our farmers, ensuring that their sweat is rewarded fairly and that they benefit from global market opportunities. Restoring unity within NCAN, rebuilding trust across our state and national structures, and preparing for credible elections that will usher in permanent leadership within one year.
“This is a new beginning for NCAN. We must leave behind the divisions of the past and embrace a spirit of collaboration, transparency, and progress. I call on all stakeholders—farmers, cooperatives, processors, exporters, civil society, and development partners—to join hands with us in this mission.
“Together, with the support of government under the Renewed Hope Agenda, and the dedication of every stakeholder, we will ensure that Nigeria not only maintains its place as a global cashew producer but also rises to become a global leader in cashew processing and value-added exports.
“The road ahead will not be without challenges, but with unity of purpose, we will overcome and deliver a stronger, more prosperous future for the cashew industry and for Nigeria.
“Thank you, and may God bless the National Cashew Association of Nigeria, our hardworking farmers, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
