NCAN’s New Leader Charts Bold Path for Nigeria’s Agro-Industrial Futures

By Uchenna Ezeadigwe, Awka

In a moment described by stakeholders as “a turning point for the Nigerian cashew industry,” Mr. Ademola Adesokan, the newly appointed Interim National President of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), has stepped forward with a bold and refreshing vision for Nigeria’s cashew sector.

At a media briefing that was equal parts powerful and purposeful, Adesokan delivered a speech that was not just symbolic of a new leadership era, but a clear roadmap for the rebirth of a once-struggling industry.

With calm charisma and a persuasive call to action, Adesokan aligned his leadership mandate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing national goals of agricultural transformation, food security, and industrial value-addition.

“We are not just producing cashew. We’re building an industry that can transform rural economies, create jobs, and increase Nigeria’s share in global agro-export markets,” he declared confidently.

In what economic analysts call a “restorative mission,” Adesokan laid out five strategic pillars to reform and reposition the ministry namely; credibility and transparent rebranding NCAN as an institution of integrity, government and policy partnerships making NCAN a central player in shaping Nigeria’s agro-industrial policies, attracting investment into local cashew processing to retain more wealth in Nigeria, farmer empowerment schemes and reconciliation and unity of stakeholders.

Mr. Adesokan emphasized that NCAN’s revival won’t be a solo journey. He extended an open hand to farmers, cooperatives, processors and exporters, private investors, donor agencies, development partners and civil society groups.

“This is not a time for division. It’s a time to rebuild. We must all come together with a renewed spirit of collaboration,” he urged.

With Nigeria already among the world’s top five cashew producers, Adesokan is pushing for a shift from raw exports to value-added cashew products like roasted nuts, cashew milk, and oil. This could potentially double export earnings, increase rural employment, and boost agro-industrial GDP.

He said his team is also working closely with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI)

Both institutions have played key roles in shaping the Cashew Policy Roadmap, which NCAN now aims to implement fully and efficiently.

Ademola Adesokan’s rise to the top is not accidental. Described by peers as a pragmatic reformer, he brings with him many years of grassroots experience in agriculture and a strong network across cashew cooperatives

“We will not just maintain our global standing, we will lead. Nigeria must not only produce cashew, we must profit from it. And that journey starts now,” he concluded with conviction.

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