NIGERIA – The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) and the National Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria (NACOFTAN) have formalized a collaborative framework aimed at advancing the development, processing, and commercialization of coffee and tea in Nigeria.
The partnership, officially sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), took place at the RMRDC headquarters in Abuja.
Focus on local resource utilization
The agreement aligns with RMRDC’s long-term strategy to increase the use of indigenous raw materials and reduce dependency on raw commodity exports.
According to the Council’s Director General, Professor Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso, the initiative is structured to promote innovation, facilitate joint research, attract funding, and build capacity across the tea and coffee value chains.
“The Council will play a coordinating role in implementing research and development initiatives, undertaking market studies, facilitating technology transfer, and supporting regulatory engagement,” Professor Ike-Muonso stated during the signing ceremony.
Addressing industry gaps and farmer support
Smallholder farmers dominate Nigeria’s tea and coffee production, yet they face persistent challenges including poor seed quality, limited access to finance, and low productivity.
Dr. Hassan Kakara, National President of NACOFTAN, emphasized the need to address these issues by improving farmer engagement, encouraging investment, and promoting better practices across the sector.
“While global coffee prices recently reached a 14-month high, local production remains flat due to structural constraints,” said Kakara.
“This collaboration aims to expand production capacity and increase farmers’ participation in global markets.”
Pilot project in Taraba State
As part of the roadmap, NACOFTAN is implementing a seven-year mixed-crop project targeting 28,000 hectares of land for coffee and tea cultivation in Taraba State.
According to Richard Ali, legal adviser to the association, agreements have already been signed with six local government areas, two special development zones, and various traditional authorities.
“This project forms a core component of our strategy to revive coffee and tea as viable cash crops, creating a path for inclusive growth,” Ali said.
Building a national framework
The MoU also provides a basis for forming industry clusters, establishing demonstration farms, and equipping farmers and processors with training and technological support.
NACOFTAN, which is affiliated with the Federation of Agricultural Commodities Associations of Nigeria (FACAN), will facilitate access to data on registered farmers, organize them into cooperatives, and coordinate participation in training programmes.
Government officials and sector stakeholders present at the signing included Mr. Lawal Suraj, Director of Administration and Human Resources at RMRDC; Mrs. Rachel Kotso, Director of Planning, Policy and Statistics; Mr. Mohammed Yaro, Director of Investment Promotion and Consultancy Services; Engr. Peter Yuguda, NACOFTAN’s North East Zonal Coordinator; and Mr. Musa Waziri, RMRDC Coordinator for Taraba State.
Link to broader national industrial strategy
The collaboration builds on the Federal Government’s broader raw materials development policy.
In October 2024, the government, with RMRDC’s support, unveiled a 10-year national plan to increase value addition in raw materials from 25% to 60% by 2034. This plan aims to reduce the export of unprocessed commodities and stimulate domestic processing for economic diversification.
Tea, coffee, cotton, and cacao were historically important export commodities for Nigeria during the 1960s and 70s but have since declined due to underinvestment and infrastructure challenges.
Stakeholders are now exploring renewed efforts to revive these sectors through public-private partnerships and policy support.
Outlook for industry stakeholders
The partnership is expected to enable structured engagement across federal and state institutions, farmers, processors, and private investors.
According to NACOFTAN’s leadership, the aim is to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global beverage market through scalable projects and inclusive participation.
“This agreement allows us to support our members with the tools and partnerships needed to adapt to a changing market landscape,” Kakara added.
The partnership represents a step in ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s agricultural commodities sector for enhanced productivity and value chain development.
