European Union Selects Ekiti for Cocoa Deforestation Regulation Compliance Project in Nigeria -

Kindly Share This

By Ojo Ayodeji

The European Union (EU) has selected Ekiti State as one of the pilot states to implement its Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Compliance Project in Nigeria, a landmark initiative set to reshape cocoa production for global markets.

Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, announced the development after receiving a delegation from the TRACE Project team in Ado-Ekiti. The high-level team included representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), GIZ, and the EU, who are collaborating to drive the programme.

Cocoa Exports to Meet 2026 EU Standards

The EUDR, which takes effect in January 2026, mandates that cocoa and other key products exported to the EU must originate from areas free of deforestation throughout their production cycle.

Boluwade said Ekiti’s selection was a recognition of its robust forestry regulations and commitment to sustainable agriculture.

“Ekiti already has clear regulatory guidelines on protected forest areas and zones earmarked for sustainable farming, which align with the objectives of the EUDR,” he stated.

The commissioner added that Ekiti, with support from the UK-funded Propcom++ programme, is already developing a Land Use Land Cover (LULC) system to enhance sustainable land management.

Farmers, Exporters to Align with EU Rules

Boluwade assured partners that in the coming weeks, the ministry will work closely with cocoa exporters, brokers, buying agents, and farmers to harmonise interventions for smooth compliance with EU standards.

“Ekiti is proud to be at the forefront of this landmark initiative. We are committed to full compliance with the EUDR while positioning our cocoa sector for growth, sustainability, and prosperity,” he said.

He also credited the achievement to the visionary leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, whose administration prioritises environmental sustainability, agricultural transformation, and global competitiveness.

TRACE Project Driving Global Cocoa Access

The TRACE Project, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food for Progress Program, is a five-year initiative aimed at boosting Nigeria’s cocoa productivity through climate-smart agriculture and strengthening traceability systems to improve global market access.

Ekiti’s inclusion in the project underscores Nigeria’s growing role in ensuring cocoa exports meet international sustainability benchmarks, particularly in the lucrative European cocoa market.