National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has restated its position as the officially recognised apex body for the country’s cashew value chain, calling for collaboration and responsible engagement among stakeholders following recent criticisms attributed to the Cashew Processors and Packers Association of Nigeria (CAPPAN).
In a statement signed by its National President, Dr. Ojo Joseph Ajanaku, NCAN said it was compelled to “provide clarity, reaffirm facts, and ensure public discourse reflects the realities of the industry” after CAPPAN raised concerns over developments in the sector.
NCAN stressed that for more than two decades, it has remained the only body acknowledged by the Federal Government, international partners, and global commodity organizations as representing all segments of the cashew value chain, including farmers, processors, exporters, aggregators, researchers, and service providers.
The association outlined its statutory responsibilities, which include coordinating national cashew policies, supporting farmers, promoting export competitiveness, strengthening international cooperation, and ensuring harmony across the value chain. “This mandate remains intact, active, and fully operational,” NCAN said.
Against the backdrop of global market challenges and price volatility, the association emphasized that the sector requires unity rather than fragmentation.
In recent months, NCAN said it has taken several steps to stabilize the industry, including engaging with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and state governments; improving relations with international bodies such as VINACAS and AICA; and supporting farmers with targeted interventions in key producing states.
The association noted ongoing efforts to position Nigeria for stronger investment inflows ahead of the 2026 cashew season.
NCAN reaffirmed support for policies that enhance local processing capacity, ensure fair market conditions, protect farmers from predatory pricing, and incentivize processors and exporters.
It added that all policy interventions must be evidence-based and aligned with national economic interests, warning against what it described as narrow or foreign-influenced agendas.
Countering what it called alarmist narratives, NCAN said the sector recorded notable gains this year, including improved export performance, increased processing investments, expanded farmer participation, stronger international partnerships, and renewed government involvement.
“With proper coordination, which NCAN continues to lead, Nigeria is positioned for significant growth in 2026 and beyond,” the statement noted.
The association urged stakeholders to avoid public statements that could undermine investor confidence or discredit established institutions.
NCAN encouraged groups such as CAPPAN to raise concerns through recognized industry platforms, technical committees, and government-sanctioned channels.
Describing cashew as a national asset, NCAN reiterated its commitment to protecting farmers and processors, strengthening value addition, promoting competitiveness, and ensuring sector stability.
“With unity, discipline, and collaboration, Nigeria can become Africa’s leading cashew-producing and processing nation,” Ajanaku said in the statement.
The call for harmony comes at a critical time as Nigeria intensifies efforts to expand non-oil exports and boost rural livelihoods through agricultural value chains.
“Courtesy – NIGERIAN TRIBUNE”
https://tribuneonlineng.com/cashew-farmers-seek-unity-amid-industry-concerns