Cocoa remains one of Nigeria’s most valuable agricultural exports and a key driver of foreign exchange earnings. As the world’s fourth-largest producer of cocoa beans according to Sunbeth, Nigeria plays a critical role in the global chocolate supply chain. The country exports thousands of metric tons annually, primarily in raw, fermented bean form, to major buyers across Europe, Asia, and North America. For many smallholder farmers and agribusinesses, cocoa is not just a cash crop but a livelihood.

The Nigerian cocoa industry supports over 300,000 households, with exports contributing significantly to GDP and rural employment. At Omas Commodities, we understand the importance of cocoa to the nation’s economy, which is why we focus on delivering top-quality products and reliable export solutions that connect Nigerian farmers to international markets.

Historical Background of Cocoa Production and Export

Cocoa was introduced to Nigeria in the late 19th century and became a dominant export crop by the mid-20th century. During the 1950s and 1960s, Nigeria ranked among the top cocoa producers globally, with the Western Region of the country, especially states like Ondo and Oyo, leading the charge. The industry thrived under the regional marketing boards, which stabilized prices and ensured quality control.

However, the decline of these boards in the 1970s and the subsequent neglect of the agricultural sector led to reduced productivity and global competitiveness. In recent decades, efforts by government bodies, NGOs, and private sector players have helped revitalize the cocoa sector, with improved farming techniques, better seedlings, and increased access to export markets.

At Omas Commodities, we build on this legacy by working closely with local farmers, cooperatives, and logistics partners to strengthen Nigeria’s cocoa export ecosystem.

Major Cocoa-Producing States in Nigeria

Nigeria’s cocoa production is geographically concentrated in the southern belt, where the climate and soil provide ideal growing conditions. The leading cocoa-producing states include:

1. Ondo State: Often referred to as the cocoa capital of Nigeria, Ondo contributes the largest volume of cocoa to the national output.
2. Cross River State: Known for its high-yield cocoa farms and growing focus on sustainability.
3. Osun and Oyo States: These western states boast a long tradition of cocoa farming and strong cooperative networks.
4. Ekiti and Ogun States: Smaller but consistent contributors to the national cocoa basket.
5. Edo and Delta States: Emerging hubs with increasing investment in cocoa farming and agribusiness.

At Omas Commodities, we source cocoa beans from these core production zones, ensuring they meet international standards for quality and traceability. Our strong relationships with local suppliers allow us to deliver consistent volumes and maintain supply chain integrity for our global clients.

Types of Cocoa Exported from Nigeria

Nigeria primarily exports raw cocoa beans, which are usually fermented and sun-dried to meet international quality requirements. These beans fall into two main categories:

1. Standard Grade (SG): This is the typical grade used for bulk export. It includes well-fermented, dried cocoa beans with minimal defects, often packed in jute bags for shipment.
2. Fair Average Quality (FAQ): Slightly lower in grade compared to Standard, FAQ cocoa is still widely accepted in global markets and often sourced from smaller farms.

Other cocoa-related exports include:

• Cocoa Cake: A by-product of cocoa butter extraction, often used in animal feed or further processed for cocoa powder.
• Cocoa Butter: Mostly produced by local processors and used in cosmetics and confectionery industries.
• Cocoa Powder: Rarely exported in large volumes, but gaining traction as local processing capacity increases.

The Cocoa Export Process in Nigeria

Exporting cocoa from Nigeria involves several key steps that ensure product quality and compliance with international trade standards:

1. Sourcing and Quality Control: Beans are sourced directly from farms or cooperatives and inspected for moisture content, fermentation level, and absence of contaminants.
2. Cleaning and Grading: The cocoa is cleaned and graded according to national and international standards before packaging.
3. Storage and Warehousing: Beans are stored in ventilated warehouses to maintain quality and prevent mold or pest damage.
4. Logistics and Transport: Goods are transported from warehouses to the port, typically Apapa or Tin Can Island in Lagos.
5. Customs Clearance and Inspection: Exporters must obtain necessary documentation and pass inspections by relevant authorities (like NAQS or NDLEA) before goods can be loaded onto vessels.
6. Shipping: Cocoa is shipped via sea freight to international buyers.

Omas Commodities manages this process efficiently, ensuring smooth coordination from farm to port. Our hands-on logistics and quality assurance practices help us deliver cocoa that meets buyers’ expectations every time.

Export Documentation and Regulatory Bodies

Cocoa exportation in Nigeria is regulated to ensure quality, traceability, and compliance with global standards. Exporters must secure several documents, including:

1. Certificate of Origin (from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council – NEPC)
2. Phytosanitary Certificate (issued by the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service – NAQS)
3. NXP Form (Nigeria Export Proceeds Form through commercial banks and CBN)
4. Clean Certificate of Inspection (CCI) from relevant inspection bodies
5. Packing List and Commercial Invoice
6. Bill of Lading – Issued by the shipping line

Key regulatory bodies include:

1. NEPC (Nigerian Export Promotion Council) – Provides guidelines, training, and support for exporters.
2. NAQS (Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service) – Ensures that agricultural exports meet sanitary standards.
3. CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria) – Manages the financial aspect of export earnings via the NXP form.
4. Customs and NDLEA – Monitor for compliance and security at export terminals.

At Omas Commodities, we’re fully licensed and experienced in navigating this regulatory environment. Our export operations are compliant, transparent, and designed to minimize delays while maximizing buyer satisfaction.

Challenges Facing Cocoa Exporters in Nigeria

Despite its potential, cocoa exportation in Nigeria is not without challenges. Exporters often face hurdles that can hinder operations, delay shipments, or reduce profitability. Some of the most pressing issues include:

1. Infrastructure Deficiencies: Poor road conditions, congested ports, and unreliable power supply can disrupt logistics and increase costs.
2. Inconsistent Quality: Smallholder farmers often lack access to training and resources, leading to variations in bean quality.
3. Limited Access to Financing: Many exporters struggle to access working capital or pre-shipment financing, which is essential for procurement, storage, and documentation.
4. Complex Regulatory Environment: Navigating the numerous regulatory bodies, licenses, and inspections can be time-consuming and burdensome for exporters.
5. Pests and Post-Harvest Loss: Without proper storage and fumigation, cocoa beans are vulnerable to infestation and moisture damage.

Tackling these issues requires investment, policy support, and innovation across the value chain. At Omas Commodities, we actively mitigate many of these risks through partnerships, technology, and strategic warehousing practices.

Growth Potential in the Sector

Despite the challenges, the Nigerian cocoa sector holds immense opportunities for growth and value addition:

1. Rising Global Demand: As consumption of chocolate and cocoa-based products increases globally, Nigeria has a growing market to tap into.
2. Potential for Local Processing: Value-added exports like cocoa butter and powder offer higher profit margins and job creation opportunities.
3. Technology Adoption: Tools like Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), digital marketplaces, and blockchain traceability can transform efficiency and transparency in cocoa trade.
4. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Sustainable farming methods and agroforestry systems are being adopted to improve yields and preserve soil health.
5. Youth Engagement and Agripreneurship: Young Nigerians are increasingly interested in agriculture as a business, and cocoa provides a viable avenue with long-term returns.

Why Choose Omas Commodities as Your Cocoa Export Partner

Omas Commodities is more than just an exporter, we are your trusted partner in the global cocoa trade. Here’s why we stand out:

1. Reliability: We consistently deliver on time and in full, ensuring peace of mind for our partners.
2. Quality Focus: Every bean we export is held to the highest standard, backed by quality control at multiple checkpoints.
3. Deep Market Knowledge: With years of experience in the Nigerian cocoa sector, we navigate the complexities of sourcing, documentation, and shipping with ease.
4. Customer-Centric Approach: We tailor our services to meet client needs, whether you’re a multinational buyer or a growing processor.
5. Sustainability and Ethics: Our business practices support fair trade, farmer empowerment, and environmentally friendly operations.

Get in Touch

Interested in working with us? We’re just a call or message away. Reach out for inquiries, quotes, or further information. We’re always ready to assist.

Head Office

29, Ondo Road, Beside Onward House, Akure, Ondo State

Branch Office

135, Ojota Road, Opa Quarters, Idanre, Ondo State

Contact

Email: [email protected] | [email protected]

Phone: +234 907 209 8486

Choosing Omas Commodities means choosing excellence, transparency, and a commitment to growing Nigeria’s cocoa industry.

Conclusion

Cocoa export remains a vital pillar of Nigeria’s economy, offering immense potential for growth, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings. Despite facing challenges such as infrastructure gaps, regulatory hurdles, and fluctuating global prices, the sector continues to thrive through resilience, innovation, and strategic partnerships. At Omas Commodities, we are proud to be part of this transformation, connecting local farmers to global markets through ethical sourcing, quality assurance, and reliable logistics. As demand for Nigerian cocoa continues to rise, Omas Commodities stands ready to support exporters and international buyers with premium products and end-to-end services that meet global standards.