Ondo targets $460bn coffee market, establishes 1,000 hectares, creates 2,000 jobs
By Julius Alabi, Akure
Ondo State government has established over 1,000 hectares of coffee plantations as part of a renewed drive to reposition itself in Nigeria’s coffee export market, with more than 2,000 farmers expected to be engaged across the value chain.
The initiative, which spans seedling nurseries, cultivation, processing, packaging and export, signals a major step towards reviving coffee production in the state.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola, disclosed this while declaring open a two-day sensitisation and training programme on coffee production and value chain development at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
The training, organised in collaboration with Lingzhi Global Nigeria Limited and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, was described by the governor as “historic,” noting that the project would strengthen the coffee value chain and generate thousands of jobs.
Aiyedatiwa recalled that Ondo was once a leading contributor to Nigeria’s coffee output, producing premium Robusta beans for export, but lamented that policy inconsistencies, ageing plantations and years of neglect led to a steady decline.
“Today, we are drawing a firm line in the sand that decline stops here,” he said.
He stressed the need for economic diversification, noting that agriculture remains Nigeria’s most viable pathway to shared prosperity.
According to him, coffee, with a global market valued at over $460 billion, presents a significant opportunity for the state.
The governor explained that the 1,000-hectare project would directly engage over 2,000 farmers, while also creating additional employment opportunities along the value chain.
Citing expert estimates, he said a well-managed hectare of coffee can yield between 1.5 and 2 tonnes, adding that the state is moving beyond raw exports through a partnership with Lingzhi Global Nigeria Limited to develop local capacity for roasting, branding and packaging “Made-in-Ondo” coffee for global markets.
He outlined measures to support investors and farmers, including provision of land for cooperatives, deployment of extension officers, construction of access roads to coffee clusters, and guaranteed off-take arrangements through relevant stakeholders.
“No farmer in Ondo State will cultivate coffee without a ready and reliable market,” he assured.
Aiyedatiwa identified highland areas in Akure North, Idanre, Ifedore and the Akoko axis as suitable for coffee cultivation due to favourable altitude, rainfall and soil conditions.
He urged traditional rulers to facilitate land access and encouraged youths to embrace agriculture as a viable enterprise.
“Coffee farming is smart business. With these 1,000 hectares, we are unlocking thousands of opportunities for enterprise,” he added.
The governor commended the National Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria (NACOFTAN), Ondo State Chapter, and Lingzhi Global Nigeria Limited for aligning with his administration’s “OUR EASE” development agenda.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Agriculture sub-sector, Mrs. Foluke Tunde-Daramola, assured that the ministry would deploy personnel to ensure the success of the project and reposition Ondo as a major coffee-producing state.
In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Lingzhi Global Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Blessing Nanman Tangtur, said the company, which operates in 21 states and 14 African countries, is committed to training farmers and supporting coffee production in the state.
She noted that the firm would equip farmers with technical expertise required across the coffee value chain, expressing optimism over the level of interest shown by participants.
Also speaking, the Chairman of NACOFTAN in Ondo State, Prince Ayodele Akinwumi, described the project as a foundation for positioning the state as Nigeria’s coffee capital.
He observed that Nigeria currently contributes less than 0.02 per cent to the 178 million bags of coffee consumed globally, despite the high quality of its Robusta variety.
“Akoko North-West, with its elevation and climate, can compete with leading producers such as Vietnam and Uganda,” he said, calling on financial institutions and global offtakers to invest in the emerging value chain.
Goodwill messages were also received from the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; the National President of the Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria, Dr. Hassan Usman; and other stakeholders.
