Cocoa Research Institute earmarks N2bn for construction

By Adewale Sanyaolu

At a time the global cocoa community is making exploits and advancements in cocoa research and production, Nigeria’s Cocoa Research Institute, Ibadan appears missing in action and has earmarked a whopping N2 billion for the construction of palace, markets and lock up shops.

According to the agency’s budget breakdown, N280 million is budgeted for the construction of Al-Quareeb Community Mosque and Palace in Oyo State.

Also, the research institute earmarked another N1.4 billion for the construction of ultra modern markets in selected communities of South East and South West States.

Additionally, it made provisions for another N175 million for the building of open and lock up stores/shops at Oja Oba market in IIawe Ekiti, Ekiti South West LG of Ekiti South Senatorial District, Ekiti State.

Others are purchase of sewing equipment such as: domestic sewing machines, weaving machines, industrial machines and embroidery machines in Kosofe Federal Constituency in Lagos for the sum of N140 million.

Similarly, the Institute of Agriculture Research and Training, Ibadan with a paltry budget size of N5,634,117,681 is equally embarking on projects that have no direct bearing with its core mandate.

For instance, the agency has earmarked N70 million for the provision of empowerment items for the youths in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency in Kogi State.

The agency is also embarking on the construction of a modern community hall in Ibadan North Local Government at a cost of N140 million.

The Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) was established in Ibadan, Oyo State on 1st December, 1964 as a successor autonomous research organisation to the Nigerian Substation of the defunct West African Cocoa Research Institute (WACRI).

Its mission is to apply science and technology in increasing productivity, improving quality and value addition of Cashew, Cocoa, Coffee, Kola and Tea.

Regrettably, 62 years after the establishment of CRIN, Nigeria, once a global leader in cocoa production, has faced significant, long-term setbacks that have relegated it to a fourth-place position globally, trailing Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Indonesia.

Despite recent price booms and a 500,000-tonne production target for 2025–2026, the sector is plagued by structural, environmental, and economic challenges.

According to the Managing Director of Sunbeth Global Concepts (SGC), Mr. Olasunkanmi Owoyemi, unhealthy competition is a prevalent problem within the Nigerian cocoa industry.

He explained that, foreign traders, with better funding and technology, compete against local players for market share.

He pointed out that local players struggle to maintain profitability when competing against foreign players that benefit from loans with annual interest rates ranging between 2.5 per cent and 4 per cent.

Conversely, the indigenous players have to bear a hefty 25 per cent interest rate per annum on loans accessible to them.

He also pointed out that inadequate research and development (R&D) is one other challenge limiting cocoa production in Nigeria.

He noted that the research institutions in Nigeria are either underfunded or outdated, and this has led to a significant gap in localised knowledge and technology to improve outputs, both in quantity and quality.

To address this challenge, he urged the government to partner with international organisations to set up new research institutes that are adequately funded and equipped with modern technologies.

“This collaboration would also contribute to increasing expertise in cocoa research. Additionally, the government can provide funding and other incentives for private researchers and farmers to encourage more R&D in the sector,”.