By Our Reporter
The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has reaffirmed its position that the Nigeria Cashew Roadmap must undergo a transparent review by a Technical Working Group (TWG) before finalization.
Reacting to a publication in Vanguard Newspaper of September 10 titled “Nigeria’s Cashew Roadmap: Time to End the Cycle of Misinformation and Delays”, the association described the report as misleading and an attempt to undermine its well-considered stance.
NCAN maintained that the TWG—comprising the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), and NCAN—was already agreed upon by stakeholders as the mechanism to ensure an inclusive and credible roadmap.
“Any attempt to bypass this agreed process undermines due process and stakeholder trust,” the association said in a statement.
On the issue of stakeholder engagement, NCAN explained that while consultations had been carried out, they did not fully capture the perspectives of farmers and indigenous processors. This, it said, further reinforced the need for a TWG review.
The association also dismissed claims that the roadmap promotes genetically modified organisms (GMOs), stressing that what is proposed is the distribution of certified improved hybrid seedlings from Nigerian research institutions.
NCAN attributed the delay in finalizing the roadmap not to its actions but to the need for careful harmonization. Rushing the process, it argued, would result in a flawed policy that could harm the sector in the long run.
“The TWG review is essential to align the roadmap with national priorities on value addition, job creation, and industrialization; protect the interests of farmers, processors, and exporters; and strengthen confidence in the roadmap as an inclusive and workable policy framework,” the statement added.
Reiterating its commitment, NCAN assured that it would continue to work with government and partners to deliver a roadmap that promotes industrialization, supports farmers and processors, creates jobs, and positions Nigeria as a global leader in cashew production.
It urged stakeholders and the public to disregard what it described as misinformation and focus on ensuring that the roadmap serves the national interest and the cashew value chain as a whole.
