RMRDC, PAAU, NEPC AND COMMERCE MINISTRY HOST STRATEGIC ONE-DAY INVESTORS’ FORUM
By Taiye Bayode
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Nigerian Export Promotion Council and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, converged in a one day investors’ forum where the stakeholders reaffirmed that unlocking the full economic value of cashew, requires deeper investment in processing, technology, and market expansion.
The One Day Investors’ Forum which held at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Old Lecture Theatre, in Anyigba, themed “Investment Opportunities in the Cashew Value Chain” brought together researchers, investors, processors, farmers, government agencies and industry experts to deepen collaboration and strengthen cashew industrial development.
Commissioner for Commerce & Industry, Hon. Muhammed Muktar Shuaibu, ably represented by the Special Adviser on Commerce & Cashew Production, Hon. Makama Daudu, stated that the Ministry is committed to driving sustainable industrial participation within the cashew sector, reiterating that, “Our focus is not only to grow cashew production, but to ensure that the income of our people increases through value addition, partnerships and industrial investment.”
Earlier, RMRDC host & State Coordinator, Dr. Peter A. Adegede, welcomed stakeholders and described the forum as a decisive move toward reducing raw nut exportation and increasing local processing, saying, “Today marks a shift from exporting potential to building an industry that keeps value within our communities.”
On his part, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council State Coordinator, Mr. Usenide Aniekpeno, highlighted the significance of the cashew value chain in strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil exports, noting that, when farmers, processors and marketers align their efforts with global standards, the export competitiveness of cashew increases dramatically.
Also speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Prof. Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, the DVC, Prof. J. J. Orugun, emphasized the University’s ongoing commitment to cashew research, technology development and product innovation, adding that, the University stands ready to support the sector with knowledge and research that translates directly into practical industrial gains.
In her remarks on behalf of the DG/CEO of NEPC, the Deputy Director of the North-Central Coordinating Division, Dr. (Mrs.) Asabe Mustapha, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to improved cashew seedlings, capacity building and technology transfer, reiterating that with stronger collaboration and innovation, cashew can become one of the most profitable raw materials for national industrial growth.
Highlight of the event was a guest lecture by cashew expert, Dr. Ocholi Ogbadu, who detailed investment potentials across farming, nursery development, advanced processing, cashew apple products and export markets, emphasizing that the sector holds untapped wealth, saying, “Nothing in cashew is waste; and with over 40 different products, every part of it is a business waiting to be developed.”
Furthermore, the event featured a brief panel discussion where participants shared practical insights on production efficiency, processing models, market access and investment readiness.
The Investors’ forum concluded with stakeholders expressing commitment to follow-up actions in research, processing expansion, market linkages and youth engagement to retain more value within producing communities and strengthen the cashew industry’s contribution to economic growth.
Other attendees present were;
- Experts
- Farmers
- Students
- Directors
- Lecturers
- Traditional Rulers
- Financial Institutions
Taiye Bayode
Information Officer
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
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